"The same, sir—still unconscious. Dr. Prince don't anticipate no immediate change, sir, but he's staying the night."
"Good! He's telephoned to Questerham, I suppose. Now, Miss Jones, let me help you. Boy, you'd better get on to the back seat; your inches are better suited to it than mine," said John firmly. He put the rug round Grace, and she sank thankfully on to the small seat of the dog-cart.
They hardly spoke while he drove cautiously along the remaining mile of high road and up the long avenue to Plessing.
Even when John helped her down at the hall door he only said: "I shall see you tomorrow. I shall never forget this Christmas Eve."
"Nor I," said Grace.
In the hall Miss Bruce greeted them with subdued exclamations.
"How tired you must be, and half frozen! Sir Piers is just the same; the doctor is still upstairs. He and Charmian got here two hours ago or more, and told us what had happened. There wasn't anything to send for you but the little cart. Poor dear Charmian! such a home-coming for her! She's wonderful, of course—never given way for an instant."
"Where is she?"
"Upstairs. I've sent to tell her and Lady Vivian that you've arrived at last."
"And, Miss Bruce, we should like some food if it can be managed without too much trouble."