Rest.
There had been some talk of a speedy return to the old country, but the doctor shook his head.
“Let her live her few hours in rest and peace,” he said. “It would be madness to attempt such a thing.” And so all thought of the journey home was set aside, and Mrs Hallam was borne up to the cottage.
In her weakness she had protested, but Sir Gordon had quietly said:
“Am I your father’s oldest friend?” And then: “Have I not a right to insist—for Julie’s sake?”
She yielded, and the cottage for the next few months became their home, Bayle going down into the town, spending much of his time amongst the convicts and seeing a good deal of the Otways.
“That’s how it’s going to be,” said Mrs Otway. “I always said so, Jack.”
“Nonsense! he’s old enough to be her father.”
“Perhaps so in years; but he’s about the youngest man in his ways I ever knew, while she is old and staid for her age.”
“Time proves all things,” said Captain Otway. “Phil won’t get her, that’s certain.”