Part 77 (2/2)

”Come here a minute, old chap. No, I'm not wanting anything--only a word in private. Say, Boney, is Anne still stopping here?”

He had seen her nearly every day since the operation, but he had been too drowsy to ask any questions. He had only smiled upon her, and sometimes for a little had held her hand.

”She is backwards and forwards,” said Nap. ”I believe she is spending to-night.”

”Ah! Then, Boney, I want you to speak to her--to-night.” He looked up at his brother with his old, kindly smile. ”It's for my own sake, old chap,”

he said. ”You know, I didn't sleep last night. I was thinking about her--about you both. And I want her to know everything to-night. I shall sleep the easier when she knows.”

Nap stood silent. His face was set in hard lines.

”Will you tell her, Boney?”

”What am I to tell her?” said Nap,

”Tell her the truth, dear fellow, so that she understands it. Make her realise that the dearest wish of my life is her happiness--and yours.” He reached up a hand to the motionless figure beside him. ”Just this one thing, Boney,” he pleaded gently. ”Remember--I came back because of it.

It will be my happiness too. I want to feel that all is well between you.

G.o.d knows I want it more than anything else on earth.”

Nap gripped the proffered hand and held it fast.

”But she won't have me, you know,” he said, after a moment. ”She only forgave me because of you.”

”Shucks, dear fellow! I guess that wasn't the reason.”

”I wish to heaven you'd let me off,” Nap said, with sudden vehemence. ”Let me shunt first instead of last. It's more than I can face--even for you.”

”But I guess you'll face it all the same,” said Lucas gently. ”And when it's over, come--both of you--and tell me.”

He closed his eyes and turned his face to the suns.h.i.+ne. ”So long, old chap!” he said. ”Don't stay indoors. I'm not wanting you. Think I'll get to sleep presently. Don't let them wake me if I do.”

But Nap lingered, still holding his hand. ”Luke!” he said.

There was a note of entreaty in his voice, but, for the second time in his life, Lucas turned a deaf ear. The smile was still on his lips, but his eyes remained closed.

”Go, dear fellow!” he said softly. ”And G.o.d bless you!”

And Nap turned with a set face and went straight from the room.

CHAPTER XVI

THE STRAIGHT GAME

It was drawing towards evening on that same day when Anne, who had been spending the afternoon at the Dower House, walked back across the park.

<script>