He raised the face which he had hidden against the dog, and looked earnestly at the Doctor as if hardly venturing to understand him; then a ray of real gladness and comfort darted into his eyes, which so enlivened Dr. May, that he was able to say cheerfully, 'We will take good care of her till you come for her.'
'Then, Henry,' said Leonard, 'it is not unkindness, nor that I remember things, but indeed I think it will be better for you all, since Dr. May is so—so—' The word kind was so inadequate, that it stuck in his throat. 'Take this to Ave,' putting his mother's likeness in his hand, 'and tell her I will write,'
'Poor Ave!'
Leonard imploringly shook his head; the mention of his sister shook him more than he could bear; and he asked the time.
'Nearly six.'
'Only six! What an endless day! There, I am ready. There is no use in delaying. I suppose I must show what I am taking with me.'
'Wait,' said his brother. 'Cannot you say anything to put us on the track of the man in the yard?'
'I did not see him plain.'
'You've no notion?' said Henry, with a movement of annoyance.
'No. I only looked for a moment; for I was much more anxious to get off quietly, than to make any one out. If I had only waited ten minutes, it might have been the saving of his life, but my commission was so like fun, and so important too, that I thought of nothing else. Can it be not twenty-four hours ago?'