But quite an hour passed away, and we stood sadly looking out at the beautiful view, which never looked more attractive, and we were trying to make out where the hammer pond lay among the trees, when I suddenly nipped Mercer’s arm, and we began to watch a light cart, driven by a grey-haired gentleman, with a groom in livery with a cockade in his hat seated by his side, and a big dark fellow in velveteen behind.
“Is he coming here?” whispered Mercer, as we drew back from the window.
We knew he must be, and, peering from behind the white window-curtains, we saw the great fiery-looking roan horse turn at a rapid trot through the open gates, then the wheels of the light, cart seemed to be pulled up at the front entrance, where we saw the groom spring down, and heard the jangle of the big front door bell.
Then we sat down on our chairs by the heads of our beds and waited, and not long, for we soon heard steps on the stairs.
“It’s coming now,” said Mercer, drawing a long breath.
“Yes, it’s coming now,” I echoed softly, as a curious sensation of dread ran through me, and directly after the door was unlocked, and Mr Rebble appeared.
“Now, young gentlemen,” he said, with a perfectly satisfied air, “the Doctor will see you both in his room.”