But later in the evening, he made his appearance there hurriedly. In a few words he explained his haste and his errand. Walter had passionately besought him to send for Helen, that he might see and embrace her once more before he died; for he knew now that death was rapidly approaching. To use the figurative and expressive language of Scripture, "the silver cord was loosed," and "the golden bowl" was "broken." Walter knew that he was dying.
Tincroft was charged with another message also. Walter must see his London lawyer, he said, and John must send him down, to take his dying client's instructions, whatever they might be.
"I must go at once," said John, in great agitation, "if you, Mr. Grigson, will be kind enough to let your groom drive me to the town."
"I will do anything you ask me. Or rather, I will drive you over myself. But what will you do when you get there? You will be too late for the night coach."
"But not for the rail from X—. I have laid my plans, and mean to post on to X—, take the first train to London, and then, after seeing the lawyer, post down to Trotbury."
It was in the early days of railways. As already stated, the London and Trotbury line had not been opened; but two others had, one westward and the other northward. Which of these was to be patronised on this occasion is no matter. It is as well to say, however, that our friend, like a good many other slow-going, prudent personages of that day, had steadily set his face against this new mode of travelling, declaring it a tempting of Providence, and an overturning of all preconceived and preordained modes of locomotion, to make boiling water do the work of horses, and at such an increased pace, too! No wonder, then, that, grave as was the occasion, a smile of surprise and incredulity flitted for a moment across the face of his host.
"You travel by steam, John!"
"Ah, I thought you would say so. But poor dear Helen! I think I would travel in a balloon if it would bring her all the sooner to her father's bedside."
There was nothing more to be said after this; and when, under compulsion, John had partaken of some refreshment, and hastily packed up a small valise, the chaise was brought to the door, and the squire and his guest drove rapidly away.
We need not accompany Tincroft on his anxious journey. It is enough to say that he performed it in what would then have been considered an almost incredibly short space of time, and alarmed the members of his household by a sudden and unexpected inbreak upon them during the small hours of a summer morning.