"My good fellow," he remarked, "we're not all, except you, entirely indifferent whether she lives or dies. I might throw pokers about all day—and I feel inclined to—without her hearing me in the blue room."
"Oh, I beg pardon," said Arthur, turning to the window and looking out.
He saw a stout man coming up the hill. It was the Mayor of Denborough, and he was evidently making for Littlehill. When he was ushered into the smoking room, he explained that he had come to ask after Miss Fane's progress.
"The town, Mr. Bannister, sir," he said, "is takin' a great interest in the young lady."
"I am glad to say she has, we think, turned the corner," said Dale.
"That's happy news for all—and you first of all, sir."
The Mayor might merely have meant that Dale's feelings would be most acute, as Nellie had received her wound in his service; but there was a disconcerting twinkle in the Mayor's eye.
"Mrs. Roberts," the Mayor continued, "is doin' first rate. After all, it's a riddance for her, sir. Have you any news from the Grange?"
"I hear there is no change in Miss Delane. She still suffers from the shock."