And then, when his strength was somewhat restored by the cordial he had swallowed, the doctor produced a large envelope with an official stamp, and said:
“I brought this from the post-office for you. I hope it may contain good news that will rouse you up.”
Hereward thanked the doctor, and, without lifting his head from the sofa pillow, opened the long envelope and took out a letter partly in print and partly in writing. His pale face flushed a little as he read the paper, and he passed it over to Dr. Kerr, saying:
“You see it is a letter announcing my appointment as secretary of legation to the new embassy to the court of ——, and requiring me, in the event of my accepting the mission, to be ready to sail with the party by the Kron Prinz, on the first of June.”
“And you will accept it, Hereward? The sea voyage and the change will be so good for you.”
“Yes, I shall accept it.”
CHAPTER V
LILITH’S FLIGHT
Do you think, because you fail me
And draw back your hand to-day,
That from out the heart I gave you