"He really seems likely to have a little natural sleep,"
was Lord Fordham's report somewhat later, on coming in to find Cecil
sitting up in bed to discuss a very substantial supper. "I hope that
with Reeves and the doctor to look to him, his mother may get a
little rest to-night."
"Have you seen her?"
"Only for a moment or two, poor thing; but I never did see such eyes
or such a wonderful sad smile as she tried to thank us with.
Medlicott is ready to do anything for her husband's sake; I am sure
anyone would do the same for hers. To get such a look is something
to remember!"
"Well done, Duke!" ejaculated Cecil under his breath, for he had
never seen his senior so animated or so enthusiastic. "Then you mean
to stay, and let Medlicott look after them?"
"Of course I do," said Fordham, in a much more decided tone than he
had used in the morning. "I'm not going to do anything so barbarous
as to leave them to some German practitioner; and when we are here, I
don't see why they should have advice out from home—-not half so good
probably."
"You're a brick, Duke," uttered Cecil; and though Fordham hated
slang, he smiled at the praise.
"And now, Duke, be a good fellow, and give me some clothes. That
brute Reeves has not brought me in one rag.
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