Without a word Mrs. Mandeville turned and left the room.
[CHAPTER XIV.--"HE GIVETH HIS BELOVED SLEEP."]
Softly and lightly as Mrs. Mandeville re-entered Carol's room, he heard her. He had been listening for her footsteps, whilst obedient to her desire, lying with closed eyelids.
She was spared the pain of telling him she had been unsuccessful. He read it in her face.
"Auntie, dear, please don't look so troubled. Uncle Raymond does not understand. It is quite all right. Love can always find a way." Mrs. Mandeville almost smiled through her unshed tears. How great was her love for the boy, yet she could think of no way by which what he wanted could be immediately procured. Even she did not fully realize how he was waiting and yearning for that healing touch, which comes
'More softly than the dew is shed
Or cloud is floated overhead.'
Nurse left the room, and Mrs. Mandeville again took her place by the bedside.
In less than an hour a maid came to the bedroom door, asking in a whisper, "Can I speak to you a moment, ma'am?"
"What is it, Withers?" Mrs. Mandeville asked.
"A Mr. Higgs from the village is downstairs. He came to inquire after Master Carol. He said he would like the young gentleman to know he has walked from the village to the Manor."