As they were assembling for breakfast on this morning, Arthur came in. It was so unusual for them to leave the house early on a Sunday, that Mr. Channing looked at him with surprise.
“I have been to see Jenkins, sir,” he explained. “In coming home last night, I met Mr. Hurst, who told me he feared Jenkins was getting worse. I would not go to see him then; it might have been late to disturb him, so I have been now.”
“And how is he?” inquired Mr. Channing.
“A great deal better,” replied Arthur. “So much better that Mr. Hurst says he may come to the office to-morrow should there be no relapse. He enjoins strict quiet for to-day. And Mrs. Jenkins is determined that he shall have quiet; therefore I am sure, he will,” Arthur added, laughing. “She says he appeared ill last night only from the number of visitors he had seen. They were coming in all day long; and on Friday besides.”
“Why should people flock to see Jenkins?” exclaimed Tom. “He is nobody.”
“That is just what Mrs. Jenkins said this morning,” returned Arthur. “I believe they go out of curiosity to hear the truth of the locking-up in the cloisters. The bishop’s having been one of the sufferers has aroused the interest of Helstonleigh.”
“I am very glad that Jenkins is better,” observed Mr. Channing.
“So am I,” emphatically answered Arthur. He was pretty sure Tom had had no share in the exploit; but he did not know about Charley.
“The dean preaches to-day,” suddenly called out Tom.
“How do you know?” demanded Annabel.