He made a half-gesture to take it, checking himself sharply. "I beg your pardon, Juliet, I hardly know what I'm doing. It's from Dick, is it?"
Very quietly she gave it to him. "You may read it. You have a right to know," she said.
He gave her an odd look. "May I? Are you sure?"
"Read it!" she said.
He opened it. His fingers were trembling. She stood at his shoulder and read it with him. The words were few, containing the bald statement, but no summons.
The squire read them, breathing heavily. Suddenly he thrust his arm round
Juliet and held her fast.
"Juliet! You'll be good to my boy—good to Dick?"
Her eyes met his. "That is why I am going to him," she said. She took the note and folded it, standing within the circle of his arm.
"I'd go to him myself—if I could," Fielding went on unevenly. "He'll feel this—damnably. He was simply devoted to that unfortunate boy."
"I know," said Juliet.