"Come! let me help you up."
"Don't bother. I am not going to get up. I——"
At that moment, Mr. Ashley opened the door. His errand likewise was to induce Henry to leave his sofa and his room, and join them below. Henry could not be brought to comply.
"No. I have just told William. I cannot think why he did not go back and say so. He only stops here to worry me. There! get along, William; and come back when you have swallowed enough tea."
Mr. Ashley laid his hand on William's arm, as they walked together along the corridor, and brought him to a halt. "What is this illness of Henry's? There is some secret connected with it, I am sure, and you are cognizant of it. I must know what it is."
Mr. Ashley's tone was a decided one; his manner firm. William made no reply.
"Tell me what it is, William."
"I cannot," said William. "Certainly not without Henry's permission; and I do not think he will give it. If it were my secret, sir, instead of his, I would tell it at your bidding."
"Is it of the mind or the body?"
"The mind. I think the worst is over. Do not speak to him about it, I pray you, sir."