"Mother told me you were asleep, so I didn't disturb you—and I was unusually tired, dear."
"But he came?"
"Oh, yes. Alan came, and he's coming again this evening, when he hopes to see you."
"Aren't you well, Doris? You shivered just now. … What did he say?"
"Nothing that wasn't kind, father. He wants you to go to Grey House for a change the moment you feel able for the journey. He wants us all to go. What better news can I give you than that, dear?"
Lancaster's eyes grew moist. "God bless the boy for shewing that he bears me no ill-will," he said. "What did he talk about?"
"It was a very short visit last night," she replied, "but, as I told you, he is coming again to-night. You think you will be able to see him?"
"I shall have no peace till I can thank him for his big heart…. Doris,
I wish you had not promised Bullard—"
"Oh, hush! We agreed not to speak of that."
He sighed heavily. "What a woeful mess I've made of my life; and I've had so many chances, my dear, that I dare not hope for one more. And I don't blame anybody but myself—"