"Oh, tell Mr. Christian," she said; "say he has fainted."
Mrs. Drayton hobbled back. In another instant there was a man's step descending the stairs. Hugh Ritson entered the bar. He looked down at the unconscious man and felt his pulse. "When did this happen?" he asked, turning to Mercy.
"He said he was feeling ill when I met him; then he was worse in the train, and when we reached Hendon he was too dizzy to stand," said Mercy.
"His young woman, ain't it?" said the flyman, aside, to Hugh.
Hugh nodded his head slightly. Then, turning toward Mrs. Drayton, with a significant glance, "Your poor son is going to be ill," he said.
The landlady glanced back with a puzzled expression, and began in a blundering whimper, "The poor gentleman—"
"The old lady's son?" said the flyman, tipping his finger in the direction of the landlady.
"Paul Drayton," said Hugh.
Mercy saw and heard all. The tears suddenly dried in her eyes, which opened wide in amazement. She said nothing.
Hugh caught the altered look in her face.