“I 'd be sorry to see you come to that, sir, I declare I should,” said Hankes, earnestly.
“You may live to see it, notwithstanding,” said Dunn, with a placid smile.
“Ah, sir,” said Hankes, “it's not the man who has just conceived such a grand idea as this “—and he touched the books before him—“ought to talk about turning hermit.”
“We'll see, Hankes,—we'll see,” said Dunn, calmly. “There come the post-horses—I suppose for you.”
“Yes, sir; I ordered them to be here at six. I thought I should have had a couple of hours in bed by that time; but it does n't signify, I can sleep anywhere.”
“Let me see,” said Dunn, calculating. “This is Tuesday; now, Friday ought to be the day, the news to reach me on Thursday afternoon; you can send a telegraphic message and then send on a clerk. Of course, you will know how to make these communications properly. It is better I should remain here in the interval; it looks like security.”
“Do you mean to come over yourself, sir?”
“Of course I do. You must meet me there on Friday morning. Let Mrs. Hailes have the house in readiness in case I might invite any one.”
“All shall be attended to ir,” said Hankes. “I think I'll despatch Wilkins to you with the news; he's an awful fellow to exaggerate evil tidings.”
“Very well,” said Dunn. “Good-night, or, I opine, rather, good-morning.” And he turned away into his bedroom.