Only Jerry, who came in bearing a napkin-covered tray, holding it resting upon the edge as he cleared a space upon the table.
“Well?” cried Richard, hoarsely.
“Your dinner, sir, that I was to bring up.”
“How is he? How is he?” panted Richard.
The man looked at him sadly, shook his head, and went on clearing a place for the tray.
“Why don’t you speak?” cried Richard, fiercely. “Not—not—?”
He could not finish.
“No, sir; and the big doctor hasn’t got here yet. There you are, sir. Now do sit down and eat a bit; you must want something!”
“Take it away!”
“No, no, sir; do, please, try!”