She shivered and thought of that new-made grave lying in the silence and calm of the dewy night.
"Will you tell me if Mr. Chesleigh is here, ma'am?" he inquired, respectfully.
"Yes, he is here. What can you want of Mr. Chesleigh at this unseemly hour of the night?" she inquired, in wonder.
"I have important business with him," said the youth, and Gertrude thought she detected a trembling, as of fear, in his voice. "Can I see him a moment, if you please?"
"No, you cannot, for he is ill and unconscious, and we fear that he is dying," she replied.
A smothered exclamation escaped from the youth's lips.
"Oh, this is dreadful!" he said, as if unconscious of having a listener. "What shall we do now?"
"Can I help you?" asked Gertrude, gently.
He bent toward her eagerly.