After that there was a very long silence. It must have lasted nearly an hour. Then Dolly tiptoed out to us.
"She's asleep," she whispered. "He says she's a shade better. I want another coal-packet."
She took what Robin gave her, and faded away.
After that I think we dozed in our chairs. The next thing I remember was a knock at the outer door. I opened my heavy eyes and stirred my stiff joints. The Boots put his head in, and I realised it was daylight.
"Half-past eight, sir. Mr Cash is waiting downstairs. Poll's been open half an hour, he says."
[CHAPTER FIFTEEN.]
TWO BATTLES.
Before I left the hotel I struck a bargain with Cash. I would go anywhere and do anything, but he was to give me a written itinerary of my movements for the day, clearly stating where I should be at various times. This document I left in the hands of Dolly, who promised faithfully to send for me, if—if necessary.
Then, putting my paternal instincts into my pocket, I braced myself up and plunged into the vortex of polling-day.