Part 137 (1/2)
”Yes, John?”
”And they remained here until today--to nurse you, sir.”
”Did they, John?”
”They took turns to be with you--day and night, sir. But it was only my Lady Cleone who could soothe your delirious ravings,--she seemed to have a magic--”
”And why,” demanded Barnabas, frowning suddenly, ”Why was I never told of her presence?”
”Sir, it was her earnest wish that you were not to know unless--”
”Well, John?”
”Unless you expressly asked for her, by name. And, sir--you never did.”
”No,” sighed Barnabas, ”I never did. But perhaps, after all, it was just as well, John? Under the--circ.u.mstances, John?”
But seeing Peterby only shook his head and sighed, Barnabas turned to stare out of the window.
”And she--left this morning--with the d.u.c.h.ess, did she?” he inquired, without looking round.
”Yes, sir.”
”Where for?”
”For--London, as I understood, sir.”
Hereupon Barnabas was silent for a time, during which Peterby watched him solicitously.
”Is 'The Terror' still here?” Barnabas inquired suddenly.
”Yes, sir, and I took the liberty of sending for Gabriel Martin to look after him.”
”Quite right, John. Tell Martin to have him saddled at once.”
”You are--going out, sir?”
”Yes, I am going--out.”
Peterby bowed and crossed to the door, but paused there, hesitated, and finally spoke:
”Sir, may I ask if you intend to ride--Londonwards?”
”No,” answered Barnabas, stifling a sigh, ”my way lies in the opposite direction; I am going--back, to the 'Coursing Hound.' And that reminds me--what of you, what are your plans for the future?”
”Sir,” stammered Peterby, ”I--I had ventured to--to hope that you might--take me with you, unless you wished to--to be rid of me--”
”Rid of you, John!” cried Barnabas, turning at last, ”no--never. Why, man, I need you more than ever!”
”Sir,” exclaimed Peterby, flus.h.i.+ng suddenly, ”do you--really mean that?”