Part 11 (1/2)
I called at Guildford Street as I went to the hospital, and they hadn't heard of you.”
”Yes, I was obliged to come here first,” said Clive.
”Of course. That's right. Janet has been looking pale since you went.
Come and dine to-night, and don't let me come in here and catch you behaving in that rude way again.”
”Papa, for shame!” cried Janet, and she hurried out of the room.
The Doctor laughed.
”Well,” he cried eagerly, ”what about the mine?--is it good?”
”For your ears only, Doctor,” said Clive, ”in confidence?”
”On my honour, my dear boy,” said Dr Praed gravely.
”Then you may invest as much as you like, sir.”
”Not a company dodge?”
”The mine teems with ore, sir. I have thoroughly examined it, and found out a new, enormously rich lode.”
”Then it's quite safe?”
”Safe as the Bank of England, sir, and the dad will be a millionaire.”
”Ah! I wish he would be a healthy man, instead of a wealthy,” said the Doctor.
”Oh, you don't think--you have not found him worse?”
”I don't like his looks, Clive, my boy,” said the Doctor; ”and I beg that you will try to save him from all emotion. This great accession of wealth will do him no good, and--yes; what?--I didn't ring.”
”Messenger, sir,” said the Doctor's man, with grave earnestness and a sharp glance at Clive. ”From Mr Reed's, sir--sudden attack, and will you come at once.” Then in a hurried whisper, ”Dying!”
But it sounded in trumpet-tones in Clive Reed's ear, as with a sharp cry he sprang to his feet.
”Good heavens!” he said, ”and I came on here!”
”Hus.h.!.+” said the Doctor sternly. ”Here, Morgan, the carriage?”
”At the door, sir.”
The Doctor nodded as he drew Clive's arm through his own.
”Do not fear the worst,” he whispered; ”I may save him yet.”
CHAPTER NINE.
TWO DAYS EARLIER.