"
"So she--really was here, John?"
"Sir, she came here the same night that you--were shot, and she
brought Her Grace of Camberhurst with her."
"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--circumstances, 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 Duchess, 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.
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