“I have heard nothing since I left home on Friday,” said Eleonora, hoarsely. “It is my own fault. They think I am at Revelrig.”
“Your family do not know you are here?” said the Superior, gravely.
“It was very wrong,” she said. “This is the punishment. I must go. Can I?”
“Surely, as soon as there is a train,” said the Superior, beginning to look for a Bradshaw; while Dr. Easterby gave Lenore a chair, and bade her sit down. She looked up at his kind face, and asked whether he had heard of this fever.
“On Sunday evening, some friends who came out from Backsworth to our evening service spoke of an outbreak of fever at Wil’sbro’, and said that several of the Charnock family were ill. I have had this card since from young Mr. Bowater:—
“T. F. in severe form. J. C. well, but both his brothers are down in it, and Lady K.’s brother, also Lady T. and the Vicar. No one to do anything; we have taken charge of Wil’sbro’. I have no time to do more than thank you for unspeakable kindness. H. B.”
“You knew?” exclaimed Lenore, as she saw her sister’s initial.
“I knew Lady Tyrrell was ill, but I do not know who the ladies are whom I address. I did not guess that you were here,” said Dr. Easterby, gently.
No one living near Backsworth could fail to know Sir Harry Vivian’s reputation, so that the master of Rood House knew far better than the Superior of St. Faith’s how much excuse Lenore’s evasion might have; but whatever could seem like tampering with young people was most distressing to the Sisters, and the Mother was more grave than pitiful.
There was no train till the mail at night, and there would be two hours to wait in London; but Lenore would listen to no entreaties to wait till morning, and as they saw that she had plenty of health and strength, they did not press her, though the Superior would send a nurse with her, who, if not needed at Sirenwood, might work in Water Lane. It was thought best not to distract Lady Susan, and Lenore was relieved not to have her vehement regret and fussy cares about her; but there were still two hours to be spent before starting, and in these Dr. Easterby was the kindest of comforters.