“I did not,” interrupted John. He bent over the bed, gently taking the old man’s hand, and holding it. “Indeed, I’m grateful to you, sir, and I swear to you Nell shall never have cause to regret this night’s work.” He added, with a twinkle: “It was, besides, an education to see how a difficult team could be driven to an inch!”
The Squire chuckled. “Ah, I was a top-sawyer in my day!”
“I should describe you today as a Nonpareil, sir,” John retorted. “I am going to leave you now. May I beg you to think no more of your grandson’s nonsense? There is not the least need for you to tease yourself about it.”
The waxen hand feebly returned the pressure of his fingers. “You came in the very nick of time, you know. Old Mops and Brooms’ grandson—! Send Nell in to say goodnight to me!”
The Captain left him with no more words. In the dressing-room he found Nell awaiting him, with Winkfield. He smiled at her, and said: “Go to Sir Peter, my love: he wishes to bid you goodnight.”
She nodded, and went at once into the bedchamber. The Captain, closing the door behind her, said: “Before she comes back, tell me this! Is Mr. Stornaway sick, or is he shamming it?”
“He’s sick enough, sir—if you call it being sick to have caught cold! We had Dr. Bacup here today, and Mr. Henry desired him to go to him, which he did. He was always one to think himself dying for the least ailment, and no sooner did he start sneezing and coughing than he was persuaded he had an inflammation of the lungs. It’s no such thing, of course, but his man’s been carrying up cans of hot water for mustard foot-baths all day, and he’s eaten nothing but tea and toast, because he says his pulse is tumultuous. However, the doctor left a draught for him to take, and I don’t doubt he will be more the thing by tomorrow.”
“I see.” John was silent for a moment, frowning a little. “There is nothing to be gained by my seeing him tonight, then.”
“Seeing him, sir?” Winkfield repeated.
“Yes, and as soon as may be possible. Not before he has left his bed, however—and I myself have certain plans to be made. Where is his room?”