Suddenly Philip got up stiffly, and said in a husky whisper, “Isn't that his voice?”
“Who's, dear?”
“Pete's.”
“Where, dearest?”
“In the hall.”
“I hear nobody. Let me look. No, Pete's not here. But how pale you are, Philip. What's amiss?”
“Nothing,” said Philip. “I only thought——”
“Take some wine, dear, or some brandy. You've overtired yourself to-day, and no wonder. You must have a long, long rest to-night.”
“Yes I'll go to bed at once.”
“So soon! Well, perhaps it's best. You want sleep: your eyes show that. Martha! Is everything ready in the Deemster's room? All but the lamp? Take it up, Martha. Philip, you'll drink a little brandy and water first? I'll carry it to your room then; you might need it in the night. Go before me, dear. Yes, yes, you must. Do you think I want you to see how old I am when I'm going upstairs? Ah! I hadn't to climb by the banisters this way when I came first to Bal-lure.”