papers on the table on fire.  Maurice’s powder-horn was in the midst, but the flames had not yet reached it, and, mindful of Claude’s story, she sprung forward, caught it up, and dashed it through the window; she felt the glow of the fire upon her cheek, and stood still as if stunned, till Hannah carried Ada out of the room, and screamed to her to come away, and call Joseph.  The table was now one sheet of flame, and Phyllis flew to the pantry, where she gave the summons in almost inaudible tones.  The servants hurried to the spot, and she was left alone and bewildered; she ran hither and thither in confusion, till she met Hannah, eagerly asking for Master Maurice, and saying that the surgeon must be instantly sent for, as Ada’s face and neck were badly burnt.  Phyllis ran down, calling Maurice, and at length met him at the front door, looking much frightened, and asking for Ada.

’Oh!  Maurice, her face and neck are burnt, and badly.  She does scream?’

‘Did I not tell you not to meddle with the powder?’ said Maurice.

‘Indeed, I could not help it,’ said Phyllis.

’Stuff and nonsense!  It is very well that you have not killed Ada, and I think that would have made you sorry.’

Phyllis with difficulty mentioned Hannah’s desire that a surgeon should be sent for:  Maurice went to look for Ben, and she followed him.  Then he began asking how she had done the mischief.

‘I do not know,’ said she, ‘I do not much think I did it.’

’Mind, you can’t humbug me.  Did you not say that you touched the powder?’

‘Yes, but—­’

‘No buts,’ said Maurice, making the most of his brief authority.  ’I hate false excuses.  What were you doing when it exploded?’

‘Coming into the room.’

‘Oh! that accounts for it,’ said Maurice, ’the slightest vibration causes an explosion of that sort of rocket, and of course it was your bouncing into the room!  You have had a lesson against rushing about the house.  Come, though, cheer up, Phyl, it is a bad business, but it might have been worse; you will know better next time.  Don’t cry, Phyl, I will explain to you all about the patent rocket.’

‘But do you really think that I blew up Ada?’

‘Blew up Ada! caused the powder to ignite.  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.’