"Mr. Sandford had rather a bad attack but is better again. He wishes to see you all if you will go to his room. If he is much agitated I have some drops I should like to give myself, so I will wait here, if you please."
He said all this in a matter-of-fact tone, strangely different from the state of excitement poor Mrs. Dorriman was in.
"Does Mr. Sandford wish to see me?" asked Mr. Stevens.
"You were particularly mentioned," answered the doctor.
Mr. Sandford was sitting in front of his writing-table, his right hand shading his face.
"I am sorry you have been ill, brother," said Mrs. Dorriman, gently.
He took no notice, and did not raise his head.
"Is Christie here?" he asked.
There was a pause, and the three stood full of a suppressed agitation. Even Mr. Stevens, as he looked on the terrible signs of suffering on the haggard and miserable face before him, was conscious of a far softer and more forgiving spirit.
Christie came at once and stood near the door, a triumphant expression upon her features.