The message was written and sent off. The Lydons, after waiting till after noon, had shaken hands with the brothers, and said they were very sorry, and then accepted Sir Cheltnam’s escort home.
Neil, who had left his father’s side for a few minutes to say good-bye, heaved a sigh and turned to go back.
“They don’t seem very much broken-hearted about the poor old dad, Neil,” said Alison.
“No,” cried his brother, flashing out angrily. “I wonder sometimes whether—no, no, we can’t discuss that now, with him lying like that,” he added hastily, and he went back into the house to find that Beck still lingered.
Neil looked at him reproachfully and the young sailor caught his arm.
“I have not gone,” he said. “I’m staying in case I can be of any use.”
“Thanks,” said Neil shortly. Then a thought struck him, and he turned back. “Did you speak to my father?” he said.
Beck nodded.
“What did he say?”
“That it was impossible.”