"We'll have them here in a brace of jiffeys," said Sir Thomas, heartily.
Gerald rang the bell, a servant came in, and a message was sent to Lady Dudgeon and Miss Lloyd.
"I felt sure there was some mistake in that queer story which Miss Deane told us a couple of hours ago," said the baronet, cheerfully. "Such things never happen in real life, you know. One sees them on the stage sometimes, and laughs at them."
Nobody answered him, and he began to whistle under his breath.
Dr. Whitaker was busy giving his patient a cordial, which he had taken the precaution to bring with him in his pocket.
A minute later, Lady Dudgeon and Miss Lloyd entered the room.
"I suppose I ought to make myself scarce, but I shan't," said Gerald to himself. "I shall not leave the room unless they tell me to go. The climax is on us at last, and I think it will be found presently that I've as much right here as anybody. Besides, my darling may want me to back her up."
He dropped quietly into a chair in the background. Only one person there seemed to be aware of his presence. Who that person was need hardly be said.
Lady Dudgeon was genuinely shocked to see Mr. Kelvin looking so ill, and chided him gently for venturing so far from home. Eleanor went up to him, and shook hands with him. He saw the tears standing in her eyes, and his own eyes fell before her. Love and remorse were busy in his heart.
"How bitterly I have wronged her!" he groaned to himself "What a confession is this which I am here to make?"