Lee was bending low over the fire, smoking. "William," said Tom, "I want to see you in the parlour."
"I was thinking of coming across myself," said Lee; "In fact I should have come when I had finished my pipe."
"Bring your pipe across, then," said Tom. "Girl, take in some hot water and tumblers."
"Now, Lee," said Tom, as soon as Lee had gone through the ceremony of "Well, here's my respex, sir," "Now Lee, you have heard how ill the mistress is."
"I have indeed, sir," said he; "and very sorry I am, as I am partly the cause of it."
"All that simplifies matters, Will, considerably," said Tom. "I must tell you that when I asked her what put her in that state, she said, 'ask Lee.'"
"Shows her sense, sir. What she means is, that you ought to hear what she and I have heard; and I mean to tell you more than I have her. If she knew everything, I am afraid it would kill her."
"Ay! I know nothing as yet, you know."
Lee in the first place put him in possession of what we already know—the fact of Hawker's reappearance, and his identity with "The Touan;" then he paused.
"This is very astonishing, and very terrible, Lee," said he. "Is there anything further?"