“We must see about it to-morrow,” he added, “and I must now insist on your going to bed, Harry, and trying to go to sleep, or your hurts will probably bring on fever. You must let me take up my berth in this arm-chair, that I may watch over you during the night.”
Though Harry objected, Headland insisted on remaining, and the night passed away, Harry having given him very little trouble.
Headland was fortunate enough to meet Julia before the rest of the family had made their appearance. He thus was able to give her the first account of what had occurred, and to assure her that though Harry might be kept in the house a few days, he was in no danger.
She at once hurried to his room. He made light of his hurts, and declared that he should come down to breakfast as usual. She persuaded him, however, to remain in bed. He consented to do so on condition that she would send over to May, and account for his non-appearance at Downside that day.
Sir Ralph was very indignant at hearing of the outrage, and determined at once to take steps to discover the perpetrators. He had wished to speak to his son, and was annoyed at being unable to do so, as Lady Castleton persuaded him that any agitation would be injurious to Harry.
A surgeon had been sent for and gave a favourable report, complimenting Captain Headland on the way he had treated his patient.
Julia and Headland met constantly in Harry’s room, both being anxious to assist in nursing him.
In a couple of days he was able to dress and come downstairs. Perhaps he would have remained up longer had he known the ordeal he was about to go through.
Harry was sitting in the drawing-room when he received a message from Sir Ralph, requesting him to come into the study.
“My father is going to question me about May,” he thought. “I had hoped to escape this for some time to come; but I must be firm and not allow his prejudices to cause her unhappiness.”