"There ain't much the matter with one, Sir; but Jem's awful bad, his head swelled most as big's two, Sir. Mr. Blane—the village doctor—wouldn't give much for his life, I reckon."
"Your Master will be sorry to hear it. And now, Joe, I want a word with you. How came you to tell one of the ladies last night that Mr. Vavasour was dead?"
"Please, Sir, I couldn't help it; the lady did look so kind of beseeching at me, and tried to speak; but, poor lady, she was that bad at heart she couldn't say a word. I could no more refuse nor tell her, Sir, I should have been afeard to; unless I'd had a heart as hard as a haythen's, and I hadn't, Sir, so just out with the news, and—"
"That will do; be more cautious in future."
And away went Charles with still faster strides than before; half over the park and then home again, and up to his room, where he thrust his things hastily into his portmanteau; it was but a few minutes' work, and then he was off downstairs again. Here he met Anne.
"Why Charles," said she, "where have you been all the morning? We have finished breakfast. What a lazy creature you are!"
"I am going to make a start of it," replied he. "I am off to join again."
"Going back to your regiment!" exclaimed Anne in amazement at the sudden announcement. "When?"
"Now, this moment."
"What will Isabella think? How surprised she will be!"