'
Hubert nodded.
'And you went to her as soon as you left me?'
'After hearing from the doctor that there was no immediate
danger.--The letters, I suppose, would have announced your death?'
Hubert again inclined his head. The imperturbable gravity of the
speaker had the effect of imposing self-command on the young man;
whose sensitive cheeks showed what was going on within.
'Will you tell me of your interview with her?' he asked.
'It was of the briefest; my French is not fluent.'
'But she speaks English well.'
'Probably her distress led her to give preference to her native
tongue. She was anxious to go to you immediately, and I told her
where you lay. I made inquiries next day, and found that she was
still giving you her care. As you were doing well, and I had to be
moving homewards, I thought it better to leave without seeing you
again. The innkeeper had directions to telegraph to me if there was
a change for the worse.'
'My pocket-book saved me,' remarked Hubert, touching his side.
Mr. Wyvern drew in his lips.
'Came between that ready-stamped letter and Wanley Manor,' was his
comment.
There was a brief silence.
'You allow me a question?' the vicar resumed. 'It is with reference
to the French lady.'
'I think you have every right to question me.
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