The words had scarcely escaped his lips when they received a startling
fulfilment. Philip had not proceeded half way along the parapet when a
slight sound in the garden below him attracted his attention. He glanced
down for a moment; and there, in the cold, clear moonlight, gazing
sternly upon him, he beheld his father! The sudden start of surprise
which he gave threw the youth off his balance,--he staggered back, lost
his footing, stretched out his hands wildly to save himself, and fell
with a loud cry to the ground!
All was now confusion and terror. There were the rushing of footsteps
hither and thither, voices calling, bells loudly ringing, and, above
all, the voice of a mother's anguish, piercing to the soul! Jones and
Wildrake hurried off to the stables, saddled their horses themselves,
and dashed off at full speed to summon a surgeon, glad of any excuse
to make their escape from the place.
The unfortunate Philip was raised from the ground, and carried into the
house. His groans showed the severity of his sufferings. The slightest
motion was to him torture, and an hour of intense suspense ensued before
the arrival of the surgeon. Lady Grange made a painful effort to be
calm. She thought of everything, did all that she could do for the
relief of her son, and even strove to speak words of comfort and hope
to her husband, who appeared almost stupified by his sorrow.
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