Clarice kissed her guardian, but he took no notice of her, as his eyes were steadily fixed on the doctor's strong, calm face. "Things must be settled between us," repeated Horran, as Clarice and Chalks departed.
[CHAPTER VIII]
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT
"Well?" asked Anthony, when Clarice returned to the drawing-room, "is Mr. Horran any better?"
"I think so. He is awake and his voice is stronger, but whether the improvement will last, I can't say."
"What does the doctor say?"
"Nothing. He is very perplexed over this disease, and does not know what is the matter."
"That doesn't say much for Jerce's reputation," said Ackworth.
"Dr. Jerce is only a man, after all," answered Clarice, earnestly, "and Uncle Henry's disease is so very mysterious, that neither he nor Dr. Wentworth can say anything explicit."
Ackworth twisted his hands behind his back and swayed to and fro on his toe-tips. "I wonder if Mr. Horran is really ill, after all."