Bates is Obstinate.
Gilmore reached the Little Manor to find Aunt Hannah ready to hurry out and meet him, and he shrank from giving his tidings, fearing that it would be a terrible shock.
But he could keep nothing back with those clear, trusting eyes fixed upon him, and he gave his message.
“You would not deceive me, Mr Gilmore?” she said. “You are sure that he is only badly hurt; the doctor—my husband—hasn’t sent you on to soften worse news to come?”
“Indeed no,” cried Gilmore warmly. “Don’t think that. He is very bad. It is not worse.”
Aunt Hannah closed her eyes, and he saw her lips move for a few moments. He could not hear the words she spoke, but he took off his hat, and bent his head till she laid her hand upon his arm.
“Thank God!” she said fervently. “I feared the worst. They are coming on, you say?”
“Yes, but it will be quite an hour before they can get here. You will excuse me, Mrs Lee, I want to get back to poor old Vane’s side.”
“Yes, go,” she said cheerfully. “I shall be very busy getting ready for him. The doctor did not say that you were to take anything back?”
“No,” said Gilmore; and he hurried away, admiring the poor little lady’s fortitude, for he could see that she was suffering keenly, and only too glad to be alone.