Her manner was feverish. Hugh touched the bell. When the servant appeared, he said:
"Tell Natt to run to the village for Mr. Bonnithorne."
Paul had walked to the door of the inner room. His hand was on the handle, when the door opened and Greta came out. She stepped up to Mrs. Ritson and tried to quiet her agitation.
The servant returned.
"I can't find Natt," she said. "He is not in the house."
"You'll find him in the stable," said Hugh, composedly.
The servant went out hurriedly.
Paul returned to the middle of the room.
"I'll go myself," he said, and plucked his hat from the settle, but Mrs. Ritson rose to prevent him.
"No, no, Paul," she said in a tremulous voice, "you must never leave his side."