overturn to spare any reference to Dr. May--the violent start of the
horses had been seen, and Adams and Mr. Ernescliffe agreed, under
their breath, that the new black one was not fit to drive, while the
whole town was so used to Dr. May's headlong driving, that every one
was recollecting their own predictions of accidents. There needed
little to account for the disaster--the only wonder was that it had
not happened sooner.

"I say," announced Harry, soon after they were released again, "I've
been in to papa. His door was open, and he heard me, and called me.
He says he should like any of us to come in and see him. Hadn't you
better go, Norman?"

Norman started up, and walked hastily out of the room, but his hand
shook so, that he could hardly open the door; and Ethel, seeing how
it was with him, followed him quickly, as he dashed, at full speed,
up the stairs. At the top, however, he was forced to cling to the
rail, gasping for breath, while the moisture started on his forehead.

"Dear Norman," she said, "there's nothing to mind. He looks just as
usual. You would not know there was anything the matter." But he
rested his head on his hand, and looked as if he could not stir. "I
see it won't do," said Ethel--"don't try--you will be better by-and-
by, and he has not asked for you in particular."

"I won't be beat by such stuff," said Norman, stepping hastily
forwards, and opening the door suddenly. He got through the greeting
pretty well, there was no need for him to speak, he only gave his
hand and looked away, unable to bring himself to turn his eyes on his
father, and afraid of letting his own face be seen. Almost at the