There was a lovely pink flush on the mother's face now, and her beautiful eyes were as bright as stars. Mrs. Parsons came forward, and, looking at her anxiously, said gently:
"Indeed, ma'am, but I think you had better talk no more just now. I will fetch your beef-tea, and just let the laddie sit quietly beside you, where you can see him."
Mrs. Scott smiled gently, clasping Jeff's brown fingers more closely.
"He will not leave me, Mrs. Parsons—promise—even if I go to sleep."
And so Jeff sat through the morning hours hardly speaking or stirring.
At about twelve o'clock Captain Clark came to the door and was bidden to enter. He had come to say that he had made every arrangement to get Mrs. Scott comfortably conveyed to London, and that Mrs. Parsons must get her mistress ready early in the afternoon.
"And here is a telegram, Mrs. Scott, just come for you," he said, holding out the brown envelope. Languid fingers went out to receive the missive. Was not all her world beside her?
From Mr. Colquhoun, York Station, to Mrs. Scott, S.S. Jellalabad, Albert Docks.
"Will be at St. Pancras Hotel this evening. Send reply there. Say where you are staying. Is Geoffry with you?"
The answer was soon written, and the kind captain took it away to despatch. Preparations for Mrs. Scott's removal were carried on as quickly as possible, and Jeff made himself useful by running backwards and forwards with messages.