"A man in a gig!" and Herbert could see that his father had already begun to tremble. But every sound made him tremble now.
"Yes; a man in a gig. What is it he says his name is? I have his card here. A young man."
"Oh, a young man?" said Sir Thomas.
"Yes, here it is. Abraham Mollett. I can't say that your friend seems to be very respectable, in spite of his gig," and Herbert handed the card to his father.
The son purposely looked away as he mentioned the name, as his great anxiety was not to occasion distress. But he felt that the sound of the word had been terrible in his father's ears. Sir Thomas had risen from his chair; but he now sat down again, or rather fell into it. But nevertheless he took the card, and said that he would see the man.
"A young man do you say, Herbert?"
"Yes, father, a young man. And, father, if you are not well, tell me what the business is and let me see him."
But Sir Thomas persisted, shaking his head, and saying that he would see the man himself.
"Somers is out there. Will you let him do it?"
"No. I wonder, Herbert, that you can tease me so. Let the man be sent in here. But, oh, Herbert—Herbert—!"