“Well, I am whispering, ain’t I,” said Esau. “He couldn’t hear if I didn’t.”
“But he must be kept quiet, Esau, and you have such a big voice. Your whispers are as loud as some people’s shouts.”
“Hush!” I said, as I heard steps. “Mr Raydon.”
Mrs Dean rose and curtseyed as Mr Raydon entered, followed by Mr and Mrs John; and he looked surprised on seeing me there.
“Not on duty, Gordon?” he said.
“Mr Grey told me to wait till he was ready for me, sir.”
“Oh!—Well, Mrs Dean, how is your patient?”
“Seems to sleep very calmly and gently, sir. I did think he looked at me sensibly once, but I’m not sure.”
“Poor fellow!” said Mr Raydon gravely, as Mrs Dean left the place, followed by Esau, while I felt as if I should like to follow them; but I stayed, knowing that if I did go, Mr Raydon would think I felt guilty at being found there, when I was only obeying his officer’s orders. So I remained watching, and waiting to be called.
Mr Raydon bent over the couch, and laid his hand upon his patient’s head.