“No, you will see no one but Turvey and me until tomorrow.”
He sighed, but even as she uttered the words the door opened, and Theo came softly into the room.
He was looking pale, and very grim. He said in a low voice to Miss Morville: “Ulverston told me I might see my cousin. How is he?”
“He is excessively tired, and would be the better for sleeping,” answered Miss Morville.
He came farther into the room, and looked towards the bed. He saw that the Earl was awake and dreamily regarding him, and stepped closer, saying in a moved voice: “Gervase! How is it, my dear fellow?”
“Excellent! I could not wish for a cleaner wound.”
“Chard told me the whole. I came at once — knowing I should never have left Stanyon!”
“Not now, if you please!” said Miss Morville.
Theo glanced at her. “No. You are very right! But Ulverston sent me to try what I could do to set his mind, at rest. I believe I know your will, Gervase. I will do whatever it is you wish me to do. If you want this affair to be hushed up, I will do my possible, upon my honour!”
“Yes, I knew I could depend upon you for that,” Gervase said. “The doctor’s story will answer the purpose as well as any other. I have now come to my senses, and I have disclosed to you that I caught a glimpse of a thick-set man in homespuns, skulking in the undergrowth. But Martin must be found!”