"I wonder how the mistake arose," thought Glynn, as he strode along; "but having found it out I fear they may get on the right track."
He took a longer détour than usual before approaching his goal. Arrived there, he found Elsie waiting to see the doctor after his visit to her father.
She looked very anxious. His nights, she said, were so feverish and restless that it was impossible he could make any real progress. Sometimes he was quite cheerful; then the cloud of nervous depression would settle down upon him, and nothing seemed to rouse or cheer him.
Glynn took care to speak to the doctor himself, and he gave the same account. He said the bronchial attack was cured, but an extraordinary degree of mental depression continued. Was Glynn aware of any hereditary tendency in that direction, which might account for much? It might be well to have a second opinion, but Mr. Lambert was so averse to call in any other medical man, he did not like to press it, etc., etc.
As soon as he had gone Glynn was summoned to the invalid, who was more than usually querulous and uneasy, until his visitor broached the subject of Lady Gethin's visit, describing her as the embodiment of all Lambert desired in the shape of a female friend for Elsie. Her father caught at the idea, but shrunk from his friend's proposition that he should be presented to her by his real name.
"Believe me, Lambert," said Glynn impressively, "it is useless to hope you can remain concealed much longer. If you would tell me all, I might be able to advise you; at present I cannot for want of knowledge."
"Well, look here, then," said Lambert, after a minute or two of profound thought, "you bring this lady to us; let her see what a sweet, elegant creature my Elsie is; maybe she will take a fancy to her. I'd like to see this aunt of yours too, Glynn; and as the doctor says I am to change the air and scene, I'm going down to the drawing-room to-morrow, so let her come the day after. I'll put on my coat, and get myself shaved, then I'll be fit to be seen. Do you think she will come the day after to-morrow?"
"Yes, I am sure she will. She cannot fail to be charmed with Miss Lambert, and may be a very useful friend."
"Then bring her, in God's name," ejaculated Lambert, leaning back wearily; and Glynn, seeing he was inclined to sleep, stole quietly away to Elsie's sitting-room down-stairs.
He found Mrs. Kellett with her, and on hearing him say that he thought her father was sleeping, Elsie went away to see if he was wrapped up and comfortable, and for a minute or two Glynn felt at a loss what to say to Mrs. Kellett.