He leant heavily on the balusters, but would not take his brother’s arm. He passed into his dressing-room, and thus to the open door of the room where he heard his wife’s voice; and as Mrs. Grindstone came forward to warn him off, he said, “She is awake.”
“Yes, sir; but she must not be excited.”
“Raymond!”
“How are you now?” he asked, coming up to the bed.
“Oh! it is very hot and heavy,” said Cecil wearily, putting her hand into his; “I’m aching all over.”
“Poor child!” he said softly.
She lifted her eyes to his face. “I wanted to tell you all day,” she said. “Didn’t you come to the door?”
“Many times, my dear.”
“And now! oh dear! I don’t recollect. Don’t go, please.”
He sat down by her; she held his hand and dozed again.