Gilbert looked inquiringly at the doctor, as if to ask whether he could throw any light upon these points. But he was destined to be disappointed, for the doctor said, “He has not seen fit to take me into his confidence. I know no more than you do on this subject. Perhaps, in your approaching interview with him, he may give you information on the subject.”
“I will ask him, at all events,” said Gilbert. “When do you think it best that I should leave, Dr. Burton?”
“He wishes you to be sent ‘as soon as may be,’” said the doctor, consulting the letter. “I should think you had better go to-morrow, or the next day.”
“I will go to-morrow,” said Gilbert, promptly.
“Can you get ready so soon?”
“I will pack to-night, sir.”
“That shall be as you wish. If you would prefer to wait till another day, you can of course do so.”
“Thank you, sir; but I want to see my guardian as soon as possible. Will you permit me, as the cars start early to-morrow, to go to-night, and bid good-by to John Munford?”
Under ordinary circumstances Dr. Burton would have declined this application, but he felt that it was only natural, and he gave the required permission without hesitation.
John Munford was astonished when, on opening the front door, he saw the school-fellow from whom he had so recently parted.