The Fulfilled Prophecy
When Rupert came to his senses, the surroundings seemed to be familiar. He had lost consciousness on the banks of the Thames, and during a fierce struggle with a treacherous foe. He opened his eyes to find himself in his own bed in his own room at Royabay. But he felt strangely weak and indisposed to talk. After a glance, he closed his eyes again. Then, after what seemed to him to be a few minutes--it was really half an hour--he opened them again, and this time he saw Olivia bending over him with an anxious face. "Dearest," he murmured weakly.
"Oh Rupert, do you know me?"
"Yes. Where am I--what are you doing here?"
"You are at the Abbey. Don't speak. Take this," and some beef tea was held to his dry lips.
Ainsleigh drank a little and then fell asleep again. When he did so there was an artificial light in the room, but when he woke the sun was streaming in through the window. But his wife was still beside his bed, and still looked anxious. However, she gave a little cry of joy when Rupert spoke in a stronger voice. He was beginning to collect his scattered senses. "Have I been ill long?" he asked.
"Four days," she replied, "don't talk, darling."
"But the packet?"
"The Marquis has it safe."
"Burgh?"