Herbert was, however, so much more comfortable for being in bed, that he was able to give Mr. Bindon directions as to the immediate cares at Wil’sbro’; but he was distressed at occupying Lady Rose, his great object being to be no trouble to anybody, though he had seen so much of the disease as to have been fully aware that it had been setting in for the last two days, yet his resolution to spare his Rector had kept him afoot till he had seen other help arrive. He declared that he wanted nobody but Rollo, who could fetch and carry, and call any one, if only the doors were open, and really the creature’s wistful eyes and gentle movements justified the commendation.
“Only,” said Herbert anxiously, “I suppose this is not catching for dogs. You’ll make a home for him Lady Rose?” he added. “I should like you to have him, and he’ll be happier with you than with any one else.”
“Herbert, I can’t have you talk of that.”
“Very well,” he said, quietly. “Only you will keep my dear old fellow—I’ve had him from a puppy—and he is but three years old now.”
Rosamond gave all promises, from her full heart, as she fondled the soft, wise black head.
Herbert was unhappy too about Mrs. Hornblower’s trouble. Harry had been one of the slighter cases, and was still in his room, a good deal subdued by the illness, and by the attention the lodger had shown him; for Herbert had spent many hours, when he had been supposed to be resting, in relieving Mrs. Hornblower, and she was now in a flood of gratitude, only longing to do everything for him herself. Had he not, as she declared, saved her son, body and soul?
The most welcome sight was Julius, who came down in dismay as soon as he could leave the Hall. “I am so glad,” said the patient; “I want to talk things over while my head is clearer than it ever may be again.”
“Don’t begin by desponding. These fevers are much less severe now than six weeks ago.”
“Yes; but they always go the hardest with the great big strong young fellows. I’ve buried twelve young men out of the whole forty-five.”
“Poor lads, I doubt if their life had been such a preparation as yours.”