"Yes, she certainly did. I thought it strange at the time."
"It was undoubtedly strange. Now go back to your patient and keep up all the courage you can. I shall remain at Beeches until to-morrow, and even longer if necessary. I wish to take care of Lady Violet myself to-night, in order to give you rest."
Miss Temple left the room, and after thinking matters over I went downstairs. Captain Ponsonby was still in the house. When I abruptly entered one of the drawing-rooms, I found him talking with Lady Erstfield.
"Can I speak to you?" I said to the lady.
"Certainly," she replied, starting up. "Is Violet worse? What is the matter?"
"There is no change in Lady Violet's condition," I replied. "What I have to speak about refers to Miss Temple."
Captain Ponsonby rose when I said this and prepared to leave the room.
I interrupted this movement.
"I beg of you not to go," I said. "I particularly want you to hear what I have come to say."
He turned and walked slowly back to one of the windows. I could see by the expression of his face that he was a good deal annoyed. He was a handsome, soldierly-looking man, of at least five-and-thirty years of age, with a somewhat overbearing manner. I could understand a child like Lady Violet shrinking from him in possible fear, and yet there was nothing underhand about him. I could see that he was scrupulously honourable, although his tact would probably not be of the finest.