“He got up and ran off after he fell with you,” said the woman, as she held the glass for Grace to drink.  “We had no time to try and catch him, for there were others to attend to.”

“Oh, but Prince must be caught!” cried Grace, trying to rise from the couch on which she was lying, but finding it too much of an effort.

“He will be, my dear,” said the woman.  “Don’t fret about the horse.  He did not seem to be hurt.”

Oh, it isn’t so much Prince himself, though Will would feel very badly if anything happened to him.  It is——­ "

Then Grace recalled that to mention the papers in the saddle bag might not be wise, so she stopped.

“There now, don’t worry, my dear,” spoke the woman, soothingly.  “Some one will catch the horse,”

“Oh, he must be caught!” cried Grace.  “You say the doctor was here to see me?”

“Yes, we sent for one soon after a passing farmer carried you in here when you fell and fainted.  You were lying out in the rain—­ insensible.  We managed to get off your wet dress, and I just slipped this dressing gown of mine on you.”

“You were very kind.  I can’t seem to think very clearly,” and poor Grace put her hand to her head.

“Then don’t try, my dear:  You’ll be all right in a little while.  Just rest.  I’ll see if the doctor can come to you now.”

“Why is he here—­ in the house—­ is some one else ill?” asked Grace, quickly.

“Yes, my dear.  Poor little Dodo was knocked down by the horse, and we fear is badly hurt.”

“Dodo?” and the voice of Grace fairly rang at the name.

“Yes, little Dora Billette.  This is her aunt’s house.  She and her brother Paul are visiting here.”

“Yes, yes!  I know.  They live near me in Deepdale.  Their sister Mollie is one of my best friends.  I am Grace Ford.”

“Oh yes, I know you now.  I thought I recognized your face.  I have seen you at Mollie’s house.  I am a distant relative.  But rest yourself now, and the doctor will come to you as soon as he can.  He has to attend to Dodo first, the little dear!”

“Oh!  Dodo, Dodo!” cried Grace, much affected.  “You poor little darling, and to think that it was my fault!  I must go to her.  Mollie will never forgive me!”

She tried to rise.

“Lie still,” commanded the woman, but gently.  “It was not your fault.  I saw it all.  The twins persisted in running out in the storm.  The girl could not stop them.  Dodo got away and ran directly for the horse.”

“Yes, I saw that.  I thought she would be terribly hurt.  Oh, to think it had to be I and Prince who did it!”

“It was not at all your fault.  If anyone is to blame it is those autoists for going so fast, and passing you so closely.  There was no excuse for that.  The road was plenty wide enough and they scarcely stopped a moment after you went down, but hurried right on.  They should be arrested!”