Philip said nothing; but he turned his sparkling eyes on Sebastian for a moment.
‘Doth Prior wander in his mind then?’ said Sebastian, a little anxiously.
‘No, he fears death and judgment apparently, but when the terrors pass off him, he is in full possession of his senses.’
‘And he seems anxious to see Philip?’
‘After a fashion. At first he seemed to struggle long about the matter, then asked me if death was near, inevitably, for him, and when I replied that it was, he said, after a pause for thought, “Then send for Philip Meadowes.” ’Twas after that he summoned Judge Matthews, seemingly an afterthought.’
They heard at this moment the sound of Matthews’ arrival in the hall. Munro went out to meet him and usher him in. Philip found himself again in the presence of his Judge.
‘A good evening to you, gentlemen,’ said Matthews. Phil drew himself up proudly and met his surprised look with a steady glance.
‘I fancy we are about to hear a curious statement from Mr. Simon Prior, my Lord,’ said Munro, ‘but before we go into his chamber I had best tell you of his condition. ’Tis critical to a degree, but his mind is clear still. The thoughts that distract him come, I fancy, from an evil conscience, so I have troubled you to come at his bidding and hear whatever he hath to say, in hopes that his mind being put at rest, his bodily state may be bettered. Gentlemen, shall we go into the sick-room?’
They followed Munro into a large dim-lighted room, a silent, curious trio.
Simon Prior at sound of their footsteps started up on his elbow, and peered into the dimness of the shadowy room.