Might have been Worse. 139

in a low voice, as she thought on the terrors
she had so lately passed through, "How is
Edith ?"
 "Do not talk now, my love," replied Miss
Thompson; "Edith is safe, you shall see her
by-and-by; try to go to sleep if you can, that
will do you more good than anything."
 In a few moments Grace had sunk into a
deep, a peaceful slumber, which all the talking
and noise round her failed to disturb.
 "Well," said Lucy Price, to a knot of eager
listeners, "I have been to the house, as I told
you before.; you never saw such a mess.
Miss Campbell took me with her when she
went to see how much damage was done.
No one can account for it; but would you
believe it, after all that smoke and those great
flaring flames, that there is scarcely anything
worth speaking of destroyed." An impatient
exclamation of incredulity here interrupted
her. Oh, if you don't choose to believe me,
I won't tell you any more ;" and Lucy turned
abruptly away. Curiosity was too great to
be stifled in this way, and after several soothing
speeches, Lucy was prevailed upon to continue.
 "The front staircase is all down, for one
thing; ever so much of the furniture is spoiled;
the windows are nearly all broken; and the