He did not ask who had come. Annie had never before known such an omission.
"I will settle it," she said, and she went to the maid, waiting outside the study door.
"The man must come again to-morrow," she said. "My father is not well, and he must be quiet this evening. And please go yourself at once for Mr. Rawdon. If he is not in, leave a message, asking him to come as soon as he possibly can."
Once more in the study, Annie sat down close beside her father, watching him steadily in the dim light. He did not appear to notice her, until she laid her hand on his, and then his fingers closed round it.
"Father, have you any pain?" she asked.
"No, my child. Nothing, except weariness."
"When did that come on?"
He hesitated, as if to recall—then said only—"I don't know."
His head was drooping, as if he had not strength to hold it up. Annie put her arms round him supportingly.
"Would you not like to lie down?"