f affection and kindness that
went to his heart, making room for him on the sofa, while going on with
what he was saying. "Then you think it would be better for me not to sit
up with him."

"I should decidedly say so," replied Mr. Ward. "He has recognised
Mr. Ernescliffe, and any change might excite him, and lead him to ask
questions. The moment of his full consciousness is especially to be
dreaded."

"But you do not call him insensible?"

"No, but he seems stunned--stupified by the shock, and by pain. He spoke
to Miss Flora when she brought him some tea."

"And admirably she managed," said Alan Ernescliffe. "I was much afraid
of some answer that would rouse him, but she kept her self-possession
beautifully, and seemed to compose him in a moment."

"She is valuable indeed--so much judgment and activity," said Mr. Ward.
"I don't know what we should have done without her. But we ought to have
Mr. Richard--has no one sent to him?"

Alan Ernescliffe and Norman looked at each other.

"Is he at Oxford, or at his tutor's?" asked Mr. Wilmot.

"At Oxford; he was to be there to-day, was he not, Norman?"

"What o'clock is it? Is the post gone--seven--no; it is all safe," said
Mr. Ward.

Poor Norman! he knew he was the one who ought to write, but his icy
trembling hand seemed to shake more helplessly than ever, and a piteous
glance fell upon Mr. Wilmot.

"The best plan would be," said Mr. Wilmot, "for me to go to him at once
and bring him home. If I go by the mail-train, I shall get to him sooner
than a letter could."

"And it will be better for him," said Mr. Ward. "He will feel it
dreadfully, poor boy. But we shall all do better when we have him. You
can get back to-morrow evening."

"Sunday," said Mr. Wilmot, "I believe there is a train at four."

"Oh! thank you, sir," said Norman.

"Since that is settled, perhaps I had better go up to the doctor," said
Alan; "I don't like leaving Flora alone with him," and he was gone.

"How fortunate that that youth is here," said Mr. Wilmot--"he seems to
be quite taking Richard's place."

"And to feel it as much," said Mr. Ward. "He has been invaluable with
his sailor's resources and handiness."

"Well, what shall I tell poor Richard?" asked Mr. Wilmot.

"Tell him there is no reason his father should not do very well, if
we can keep him from agitation--but there's the point. He is of so
excitable a constitution, that his faculties being so far confused is
the best thi