Almost as he reached the door, Sarah Woodham and one of the servants entered the hall.
“Here, you,” he said quickly to the dark, stern-looking woman, “send at once for the doctor; your master is in a fit.”
Sarah turned to her fellow-servant, gave her the required instructions, and followed Glyddyr back into the study.
“Where are the young ladies?” he said. “Don’t let them come.”
“They must know, sir,” said the woman, going down on one knee to place Gartram’s head in a more natural position. “Miss Claude would not forgive me if she was not told.”
Almost at the same moment, a step was heard on the terrace outside. Mary came by, humming a tune to herself, glanced in, and, seeing what was wrong, darted away.
The next minute she and Claude were there, aiding in every possible way till the doctor’s step was heard in the hall.
He came in directly, and gave two or three short, quick orders, almost the first being to dismiss every one but Sarah Woodham.
“Go into the drawing-room,” he said. “I’ll call if I want any help. He’ll soon come round now. What has been the matter; some fresh excitement?”
Claude’s countenance was full of trouble, but she made no reply. Still, she could not help glancing at Glyddyr, and to her shame and annoyance found that he was looking at her in an eager, imploring way, as he held open the door for her to pass out, and then followed.