Nell of Shorne Mills

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."