“You can’t do it. Lawless,” he said, endeavouring to soothe him, fearing that he had been over hasty with his news. Delirium alone could account in his opinion for this rash determination to get up.
“Lie still,” he entreated. “They will come to you.”
“They will do nothing of the sort,” Lawless replied, with a lucidity only to be equalled by his determination. “You’re an old fool, Burton, and you don’t understand. Hand me my clothes, there’s a good chap, and so make this matter easier for me.”
In response Mr Burton gathered up the garments and made for the door.
“Very well,” Lawless answered grimly, “then I must make my appearance as I am.”
The other came back and stood, perplexed and troubled, with the clothes bundled together in his arms, and a guilty look in his eyes as though he had been surprised in the act of stealing.
“You don’t mean it?” he said.—“Not seriously?”
“I’m perfectly serious, and entirely rational,” Lawless replied quietly. “If you are really anxious that I shouldn’t overtax my strength you’ll stay and help me dress.”
And so it was that the Colonel and Mrs Lawless were kept waiting for the expected summons.