CHAPTER XXX.
AT one o'clock next day, Ashmead received a note from Mademoiselle Klosking, saying, “Arrange with Mr. X——to close my tour with Manchester. Pay the fortnight, if required.” She was with the company at a month's notice on either side, you must understand.
Instead of going to the manager, he went at once, in utter dismay, to Mademoiselle Klosking, and there learned in substance what I must now briefly relate.
Miss Gale found Edward Severne deposited on a sofa. Ina was on her knees by his side, sponging his bleeding temple, with looks of gentle pity. Strange to say, the wound was in the same place as his wife's, but more contused, and no large vein was divided. Miss Gale soon stanched that. She asked him where his pain was. He said it was in his head and his back; and he cast a haggard, anxious look on her.
“Take my arm,” said she. “Now, stand up.”
He tried, but could not, and said his legs were benumbed. Miss Gale looked grave.
“Lay him on my bed,” said La Klosking. “That is better than these hard couches.”
“You are right,” said Miss Gale. “Ring for the servants. He must be moved gently.”
He was carried in, and set upon the edge of the bed, and his coat and waistcoat taken off. Then he was laid gently down on the bed, and covered with a down quilt.
Doctress Gale then requested Ina to leave the room, while she questioned the patient.