With a nod, he sent the cob on again, and Nell continued her climb.
Something on his mind! She wondered what it was. Had some one he cared
for died? But if that were so, he would be in mourning. Perhaps he had
lost his money, as her father had done? Well, anyway, she was sorry for
him.
It need scarcely be said that Mrs. Lorton did not permit the interesting
stranger to move from bed to sitting room without a fuss. The most
elaborate preparations were made by Molly, under her mistress'
supervision. The sofa was wheeled to the window, a blanket was warmed
and placed over the sofa, so that the patient might be infolded in it; a
glass of brandy and water was placed on a small table, in case he
should feel faint, and a couple of huge walking sticks were ready for
the support of the patient--as if he had broken his leg as well as his
arm.
"No, remember, please, Eleanor, that there must be no noise; absolute
quiet, Doctor Spence insisted on. He was most emphatic about the
'absolute.' Pull down that blind, Molly; nothing is so trying to an
invalid as a glare of sunlight--and close the window first. There must
be no draft, for a chill in such a case as this might prove fatal.
Fatal! I wonder whether it would be better to light a fire?"
"It is very hot, mamma," ventured Nell, who had viewed the closing of
the window with dismay.
"It may seem hot to you, who are in robust, not to say vulgar, health;
but to one in Mr. Vernon's condition----"
At this moment he was heard coming down the stairs. He walked firmly
though slowly, and it was evident to Nell that he was trying to look as
little like an invalid as possible. He had dressed himself with the
assistance of Dick, who walked behind with a pillow--which he made as if
to throw at Nell, who passed quickly through the hall as they
descended--and, though he looked pale and wan, Mr. Drake Vernon held
himself erect, like a soldier, and began to make light of his accident,
and succeeded in concealing any sign of the irritation which he felt
when Mrs. Lorton fluttered forward with the two sticks and the blanket.
"Thank you--thank you very much; but I don't need them. Put it on? No, I
think I'd better not. I'm quite warm." He looked round the carefully
closed room--Dick's complaining "phew!" was almost audible behind him.
"No, I won't have any brandy, thanks."