‘I never saw you in earnest before, Philip,’ said Sebastian, with a smile for the heat of youth.
‘You see—pardon me—you have not seen very much of me,’ said Phil; ‘but I must be in earnest now: Heaven knows I’ve played myself long enough. ’Tis true I enter into life halt now,’ he added, in a sadder tone.
This was not the last conversation they had on this much-vexed subject of what Phil was to do; but things took on a different complexion suddenly, one night not long after.
There came a thunder upon the knocker and a note from Dr. Munro. It was dated from a house in —— Street, and contained only these words: ‘Do your endeavour to come as speedily as may be, bringing with you Philip Meadowes.’
Sebastian could not explain the strange summons. He passed the note to Philip.
‘Simon Prior lives there,’ said Phil, as he looked at the address.
‘Will you come, then?’
‘Yes, sir; I fancy he hath business with me,’ said Phil. When they reached the house, Munro met them on the stairway.
‘Come this way,’ he said, leading them into a sitting-room. He closed the door and signed to them to sit down.
‘This is the house of Simon Prior, the same who witnessed at your trial,’ he said, with a bow towards Philip. ‘And Simon Prior is taken with seizures that threaten to end his days ere long. Years ago he came under my hands in hospital (do you remember, Shepley? no, why should you?) from a street accident. He seemingly thought me skilful, for now he sends for me again, and this time the case is scarce so easy. Now, since I have been called in, the man has seemed in great trouble of mind—a more arrant coward I never knew—and he takes no rest day nor night, tossing and crying out. Since this afternoon he calls continually to see you, “Philip Meadowes,” and moreover hath made me send by special messenger summoning Judge Matthews to his bedside. His Lordship is not yet arrived, mayhap he will not trouble himself to come, but I have told him that the summons may have special bearings on a certain interesting case he lately tried, so I look to see him shortly.’