“And she is very ill.”
“What of?”
“Fever; they—they fear she may die.”
“Take me to her,” said the stranger. “If she is ill and dying she wants me. Take me to her at once. Here, jump on the dog-cart; and, little one, you shall come too.”
So furiously did Captain Forest drive that in a very little over an hour’s time his panting horse stopped at a few steps from the cottage. He called to a boy to hold him, and, accompanied by Hester, and carrying Nan in his arms, he stood on the threshold of Mrs Williams’ humble little abode. Mr Everard was coming out.
“Hester,” he said, “you here? I was coming for you.”
“Oh, then she is worse?”
“She is conscious, and has asked for you. Yes, she is very, very ill.”
“Mr Everard, this gentleman is Annie’s father.”
Mr Everard looked pityingly at Captain Forest.