"No!" Oliver's voice was sudden and loud. "There are none!--that make any difference."
Sir James was left perplexed, cudgelling his brains as to what to attempt next. It was Marsham, however, who broke the silence. With his dimmed sight he looked, at last, intently, at his companion.
"Is--is Miss Mallory still at Beechcote?"
Sir James moved involuntarily.
"Yes, certainly."
"You see a great deal of her?"
"I do--I--" Sir James cleared his throat a little--I look upon her as my adopted daughter."
"I should like to be remembered to her."
"You shall be," said Sir James, rising. "I will give her your message. Meanwhile, may I tell Lady Lucy that you feel a little easier this morning?"
Oliver slowly and sombrely shook his head. Then, however, he made a visible effort.