"But some one would be sure to discover me. No; I am infinitely obliged, but I could not do it—I should only involve Dr. Byrom in trouble."
"Don't heed my risk," said Dr. Byrom. "I will give you shelter, if you require it."
"I'm quite sure we could conceal you," cried Beppy; "and only think how exciting it would be if the boroughreeve should call, and you had to be shut up in a closet! Or, better still, if you were carefully disguised, you might be presented to him without fear of detection. As to Mr. Fowden, I shouldn't mind him, even if he came on purpose to search for you. I'm sure I could contrive some little plot that would effectually delude him. 'Twould only be like a game at hide-and-seek."
"But if I lost the game, the penalty would be rather serious," replied Atherton. "I have no doubt of your cleverness, Miss Byrom; but I must not expose myself to needless risk."
While this conversation was going on, Dr. Byrom observed to his old friend, "I have something to say to you in private. Can we go into another room?"
Struck by the gravity of his manner, Dr. Deacon took him into an adjoining apartment.
"I am afraid you have some bad news for me," he remarked.
"I have," replied Dr. Byrom, still more gravely. "Your son Robert——"
"What of him?" interrupted Dr. Deacon. "Has he had a relapse of the fever? If so, I must go to him at once."
"'Twill not be necessary, my good friend," replied Dr. Byrom, mournfully. "He does not require your attendance."