‘I will be your slave, Wilfrid! You are so good, and I am so unworthy.’
He put his arms round me, laid his head on my shoulder, and sobbed. I did what more I could to comfort him, and gradually he grew calm. At length he whispered in my ear—
‘After all, Wilfrid, I do believe I was horror-struck, and it wasn’t cowardice pure and simple.’
‘I haven’t a doubt of it,’ I said. ‘I love you more than ever.’
‘Oh, Wilfrid! I should have gone mad by this time but for you. Will you be my friend whatever happens?—Even if I should be a coward after all?’
‘Indeed I will, Charley.—What do you think Forest will do next?’
We resolved not to go down until we were sent for; and then to be perfectly quiet, not speaking to any one unless we were spoken to; and at dinner we carried out our resolution.
When bed-time came, we went as usual to make our bow to Mr Forest.
‘Cumbermede,’ he said sternly, ‘you sleep in No. 5 until further orders.’
‘Very well, sir,’ I said, and went, but lingered long enough to hear the fate of Charley.