"So do I. Keep it off," returned the marquis.
"We fear we cannot, my lord." It had, in fact, already commenced.
"Let it mortify, then, and be damned," said his lordship.
"I trust, my lord, you will reconsider it," said the surgeon. "We should not have dreamed of suggesting a measure of such severity had we not had reason to dread that the further prosecution of gentler means would but lessen your lordship's chance of recovery."
"You mean, then, that my life is in danger?"
"We fear," said the physician, "that the amputation proposed is the only thing that can save it."
"What a brace of blasted bunglers you are!" cried the marquis, and, turning away his face, lay silent.
The two men looked at each other and said nothing.
Malcolm was by, and a pang shot to his heart at the verdict. The men retired to consult. Malcolm approached the bed. "My lord!" he said gently.
No reply came.