When Harding returned to the bank the next morning, he presented such a careworn appearance that Wallace was genuinely concerned.
"Hullo," he exclaimed, "you look as if you had had enough of acting night-nurse to wounded men. It has been too much for you, my lad."
"It has been an anxious night," Harding replied. "At first both were fairly well, but towards morning old Mr. Dudgeon became very bad. You have heard all about the affair, I suppose?"
"I have had a visit from Mr. Gale. There was only one thing he could talk about. You will guess what that was. The heroism of Mrs. Eustace."
A cloud came over Harding's face at the mention of her name.
"I have a message for her from the doctor. She offered to return to-day if he wanted her help. He asked me to let her know how bad the old man had been, and is, and say he would be glad if she could go out at once. I've had no sleep all night and am fairly tired out. If you don't mind, I'll go and have a few hours' rest."
"Why, of course, my lad, I'll manage the office by myself all right. Go and get all the sleep you can. You have earned it."
"Will you let her know what the doctor said?"
"I'll send word to Mr. Gale—I've no doubt he'll let her know," Wallace said with a short laugh.
"But isn't she here?"