“I know he will be content with me, and that I shall treat him tenderly. Dear, I cannot let them take him to the station-house,” she pleaded, earnestly.
Adrian himself said that was not to be thought of for a moment, and being strongly attracted toward the beautiful boy, it was finally arranged that it should be as Brownie desired, and they all returned to the Langham, while the unfortunate nurse was borne away to the hospital.
The little fellow was soon as happy as a king, and, although he talked of Nannie, seemed perfectly contented when in Brownie’s presence.
She found, upon questioning him, that he was called Eddie, but she tried in vain to make him repeat his last name. Evidently he had not been taught it.
The next morning Adrian went early to the hospital, hoping the nurse would be able to converse with him and give him information regarding her little charge; but he found her raving in delirium, and the doctors said she had doubtless been seriously injured about the head in falling, and they were fearful that the accident would cost her her life.
Only one thing remained to be done now, and that was to advertise the child in the papers, which Adrian immediately did, and then strove quietly to await the issue.
Since the little one would occupy her for a few days, Brownie persuaded Adrian to run down to Vallingham Hall to relieve Lady Ruxley’s suspense, and consult with her as the best method of securing her jewels, and of releasing Herbert Randal.
It was Saturday that the accident happened, and on Monday he departed for West Malling, where he found Lady Ruxley in her usual health, but feeling very lonely without her companion. She still remained at the Hall, where she said she should stay until the folks returned from Paris, and then they might have their grand doings to themselves and welcome.
She had received Brownie’s note that day before their departure for Paris, but she had carefully guarded her secret, thoroughly believing in her, and inwardly triumphing in her good fortune.
“I knew they were humbugs from the beginning,” she said, wrathfully, when Adrian told her about the jewels; “but,” and she shook her head sadly, “it’s too bad for Charles to be taken in so.”