The inflammable matter--'
As he spoke he followed Phyllis to the nursery, and there was so much
shocked, that he could no longer lord it over her, but shrinking
back, shut himself up in his room, and bolted the door.
Nearly an hour passed away before the arrival of Emily, Jane, and Mr.
Saunders. Phyllis ran down, and meeting them at the door, exclaimed,
'Oh! Emily, poor Ada! I am so sorry.'
The sisters hurried past her to the nursery, where Ada was lying on
the bed, half undressed, and her face, neck, and arm such a spectacle
that Emily turned away, ready to faint. Mr. Saunders was summoned,
and Phyllis thrust out of the room. She sat down on the step of the
stairs, resting her forehead on her knees, and trembling, listened to
the sounds of voices, and the screams which now and then reached her
ears. After a time she was startled by hearing herself called from
the stairs BY BELOW a voice which she had not heard for many weeks,
and springing up, saw Mr. Devereux leaning on the banisters. The
great change in his appearance frightened her almost as much as the
accident itself, and she stood looking at him without speaking.
'Phyllis,' said he, in a voice hoarse with agitation, 'what is it?
tell me at once.
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