The next day proved as uneventful as other days at Bradmond. No rioters came near them.
In the evening Dr Thorpe appeared. When the old man saw Robin, he cast up his hands, and thanked God.
“Lad,” said he, “I thought thou wert dead.”
“I count God hath somewhat for me to do,” answered Robin. “But if He hath not, I would I were.”
“Hush thee, Robin dear!” said Isoult, uneasily.
“What wouldst thou be, Robin?” inquired Kate, her eyes wide open.
“Dead and buried,” answered he.
“Then may I be dead and buried too?” she asked.
“Nay, Kate, not so!” cried Isoult, in dismay.
“It will not do, Robin,” said Dr Thorpe, smiling. And his face growing grave, he pursued, “Lad, God setteth never too hard a lesson, nor layeth on us more than we are able to bear.”