“His mind is clear, however, isn't it?” asked Sedley.
“Perfectly. He has never wandered, except in the few moments after sleep.”
“I take it I shall be permitted to see him?”
“Certainly; if the doctor makes no objection, you shall.”
“And possibly, too, I may be allowed to ask him a question or two? Matters which I know he will be well prepared to answer me.”
“I am not so confident about that. Within the last hour Doctor Belton has declared perfect quiet, perfect repose, to be of the utmost importance to my father.”
“Is it not possible, Mr. Bramleigh, that I may be able to contribute to this state by setting your father's mind at rest, with reference to what may press very heavily on him?”
“That is more than I can answer,” said Augustus, cautiously.
“Well,” said Sedley, pushing back his chair from the table, “if I am not permitted to see Colonel Bramleigh, I shall have made this journey for nothing—without, sir, that you will consent to occupy your father's position, and give your sanction to a line of action?”
“You know my father, Mr. Sedley, and I need not tell you how so presumptuous a step on my part might be resented by him.”