She pointed to the table, and Jim's head sank lower.
"Take them all if you want them, but go."
He moved blindly towards the door, and as he reached it, a footstep sounded along the passage, and Mrs. Latimer appeared. Before Honor could stir she had caught sight of Jim, and putting down the light she carried, she made a little run forward, and put her arms round his neck.
"God bless you, my own boy. I knew you would come," she said, and fell inertly with her cheek against his.
Above his mother's head, Jim's eyes met those of Honor, in anguished appeal. As he stood holding his mother in his arms his punishment seemed greater than he could bear.
A fresh fear took possession of Honor, and for a moment she dared not ascertain the worst. Had not the doctors talked of a sudden shock?
"Bring her here," she said, indicating a couch close by; "she must never know, poor, poor mother!"
In the bustle that ensued Hammersley made good his escape, unnoticed by anyone. Honor applied restoratives, and after a long time Mrs. Latimer came back to consciousness. Her glance sought for Jim; Honor motioned him over.
"My own darling boy, why did you come back so late? How thin and white you are! We must feed him well, must we not, Honor?"
