"That is right," he said, nodding approvingly. "Always tell the truth to your doctor. In return I will be frank with you. What your husband wants is not so much wine, or meat, or change, or anything of that sort usually recommended, but sleep. If he can rest, and I think he can, that may save him; but I tell you candidly his recovery will be tedious, and nothing except rest can save him. Good night. I will not send you any medicine at present, but I will look round early in the morning, and see what sort of a night he has passed."
And he held out his hand and departed, and Dolly was left alone.
When she paid the cabman for his second journey she gave him a letter, and put him upon honour to post it at some pillar-box where the collections were made at three in the morning.
That letter, written hurriedly and directed in pencil, ran as follows:—
"Thursday night.
"Dear Esther,—I have decided not to go with Mrs. Werner to Brighton. Directly you receive this, please send Susan to Mrs. Baker's. You know the address. I will try to get over to Homewood to-morrow, but cannot do so till Susan comes here. Mr. Mortomley is very ill. Do not mention where we are to any one till I have seen you.
"Yours,
"D. Mortomley."
The cabman was faithful. Though he might never see Mrs. Mortomley again, he honestly did her bidding, and accordingly about half-past ten o'clock the next morning Susan arrived, bringing the following note with her from Esther:—
"Friday morning.
"Dear Madam,—I have not kept Susan to take any of her clothes, as I wanted to get her away before Meadows was up. I think you will be quieter at Mrs. Baker's than any place else.
"Susan will tell you about Mr. Forde and Mr. Kleinwort; but perhaps you have seen them.
"They were greatly put out at finding you gone. I would not have told them where, but Meadows he did. No more at present from
"Your humble servant,
"E. Hummerson.
"Dear Madam,—I am sorry to hear Mr. Mortomley is so ill again. Please do not send Susan here, as Meadows might get talking to her."
After reading and re-reading this epistle, Mrs. Mortomley decided not to visit Homewood for some time to come.