170 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

auctioneer spoke now with some sharpness of tone;
but, as before, his words were not heeded.

“What’s the matter, Mr. Claire? Are you
sick ?”’

Still no response or movement.

“Mr. Claire! Bless me!’ The auctioneer was
now by his side, with his hand on him. ‘“ Bring
some water, quick! He’s fainted—or is dead |
Here! some one help me to lay him down.”

Two or three men came quickly behind the auc-
tioneer’s stand and assisted to lift the insensible
man from the high stool on which he was seated,
and place his body in a reclining position. Then
water was dashed into his face, and various other
means of restoration used. Full ten minutes passed
before signs of returning life were exhibited. His
recovery was very slow, and it was nearly an hour
before he was well enough to be removed to his
dwelling. |

The shock of his appearance, supported from the
carriage in which he had been conveyed home, by
two men, was terrible to his wife, whose anxiety and
fear had wrought her feelings already up to a high
pitch of excitement.

“Oh! what is the matter? What has happen-
ed?” she cried, wringing her hands, while her face
blanched to a deathly paleness.

“ Don’t be frightened,” returned Claire, smiling
feebly. “It was only a slight fainting fit. Tm
over it now.”

“That's all, madam,” said the men who had
brought him home. “He merely fainted. Don't
be alarmed. It’s all over.”