I did
not speak, for I would not have any in the house hear; but, putting on my
shoes and a big cloak, I went softly down the stair, opened the door
noiselessly, and ran to the other side of the house. There stood John,
with his eyes fixed on my window. As I turned the corner I could see, by
their weary flashing, that either something terrible had happened, or he
was very ill. He stood motionless, unaware of my approach.
"What is it?" I said under my breath, putting a hand on his shoulder.
He did not turn his head or answer me, but grew yet whiter, gasped, and
seemed ready to fall. I put my arm round him, and his head sank on the
top of mine.
Whatever might be the matter, the first thing was to get him into
the house, and make him lie down. I moved a little, holding him fast,
and mechanically he followed his support; so that, although with
some difficulty, I soon got him round the house, and into the great
hall-kitchen, our usual sitting-room; there was fire there that would
only want rousing, and, warm as was the night, I felt him very cold. I
let him sink on the wide sofa, covered him with my cloak, and ran to
rouse old Penny. The aged sleep lightly, and she was up in an instant.
I told her that a gentleman I knew had come to the house, either
sleep-walking or delirious, and she must come and help me with him. She
struck a light, and followed me to the kitchen.
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