“I beg your pardon, Brigley,” cried the tutor. “I spoke too hastily. I quite understand your feelings; but steps must be taken instantly. The truth must be known—the cruel truth!” he added, with a groan. “Yes; what is it?”
There was a tap at the chamber door, and Jerry went to open it.
“Please tell master that the London doctor has come in from the hotel and wants to see him directly.”
“Ah, yes,” said the tutor, who had heard every word; “I thought he would come early. Go on to the station, Brigley; tell them poor Sir Richard must be found. I’ll go down to see the doctor.”
Each departed upon his mission, and half an hour after the London surgeon took his departure, confirming his colleague’s opinion that a great change for the better had taken place in Mark Frayne.
“Youth, my dear sir—youth! He has rallied wonderfully, and I feel that we may hope.”
“But you will stop for the day?” said Mr Draycott, anxiously.
“There is not the slightest need, my dear sir. My colleague yonder will, unless something very unforeseen happens, pull him through.”
“But if anything unforeseen does happen?” said Mr Draycott, nervously.
“Then telegraph to me, and I will come down at once. But I don’t think you need fear, Mr Draycott, and I congratulate you upon the happy turn things have taken. Good-morning. I shall hurry off to catch an early train.”