There was very little noise, and Louis lay for some time in deep thought. At length he moved as if with the intention of getting up, when Reginald started up and planted his beaming face over him so as to prevent his rising:
“Awake at last, Louis?”
“Yes, I have been awake a long time.”
“You've been very quiet.”
“How happy you look!” said Louis; “I could almost fancy you had something to tell.”
“What will you give me for my news?”
“I am afraid I can offer nothing but thanks,” replied Louis, smiling.
“What should you say if I were to tell you Casson was gone?”
“Casson gone!” exclaimed Louis, starting up in spite of his brother's incubian overseership. “Where? When? How? Was he ill? What was the matter?”
“He went home yesterday evening by the London coach. He was in perfect bodily health. The matter was, that the magister wouldn't keep him.”