Aware of these changes herself, and fearful lest her brother’s sharp eyes would discover them, the spinster recalled, with a sort of troubled gratification, the occasion of the improvement.
Undisturbed by the rebuking glances of the abstemious Raikes, and secretly abetted by the amused Sepoy, the poor woman had enjoyed the privileges of the table with a relish and surrender which had begun to result in the manner indicated.
For several days previous to the catastrophe which had concluded in the prostration of her brother, the spinster had supplied the cravings of her appetite with a gusto that was a revelation to her, and which would have evoked a profound rebuke from the wretched creature on the bed.
It was therefore with secret misgiving and a qualified delight she heard her brother at last call feebly: “Sarah!”
In answer to the exhausted interrogation in his utterance of the name, his sister hastened to recount to him the incident of his collapse and his subsequent unconsciousness.
Little by little his intelligence began to resume its abandoned functions, and at last he recalled the whole evil situation.
“Where’s Robert?” he said. “I want him.”
“I will send him to you,” exclaimed his sister, and she hastened from the room.
“Well, uncle!” exclaimed Robert as he entered with a cheerfulness he was far from feeling as he witnessed that emaciated countenance; “better, I see.”
“I congratulate you upon your imagination,” replied Raikes, with a feeble attempt at his customary incivility; “but lock the door and listen to me carefully.”