An Invitation Declined.
“Come, Mr Saul, sir, drink a little more of this,” said Doctor Lawrence; and he held a glass to the young man’s lips, as he lay back on the sofa, where he had been lifted, for the words he had heard uttered had so strange an effect upon him that he had stood staring wildly for a few moments, and then uttered a sudden, low cry, and fallen heavily upon the carpet.
“Better now,” he said, drinking with avidity; and then sitting up quite calm and connected. “A sudden fit of giddiness. I have been travelling night and day. I have not eaten; and the suddenness of this news completely overset me. Very absurd, of course.”
“No, sir; quite natural,” said the doctor quietly.
“Yes,” said Saul, with a peculiar laugh, “in a girl; but not in a strong man.”
“And now, if you will take my advice,” said the doctor, “you will partake of some refreshment, and leave all further discussion of this business till another day.”
“No,” said Saul hoarsely, “I must have all this cleared up before I go.”
“Well, we can arrange that,” said Gertrude smiling. “I will tell Denton to see that you have a room made ready; sleep here to-night.”
“Sleep? here?” cried Saul quickly. “No, thank you; I shall get back to town.”
“Far wiser to stay, sir,” said the doctor quietly.