I went back in
the doctor's carriage. He spoke most feelingly and properly.
Without giving any positive opinion, I could see that he had
abandoned all hope of Julian's recovery. 'We are in the hands of
Providence, Mr. Holmcroft;' those were his last words as he set
me down at my mother's door.
"I have hardly the heart to go on. If I studied my own wishes, I
should feel inclined to stop here.
"Let me, at least, hasten to the end. In two or three days' time
I received my first intelligence of the patient and his nurse.
Lady Janet informed me that he had recognized her. When I heard
this I felt prepared for what was to come. The next report
announced that he was gaining strength, and the next that he was
out of danger. Upon this Lady Janet returned to Mablethorpe
House. I called there a week ago--and heard that he had been
removed to the sea-side. I called yesterday--and received the
latest information from her ladyship's own lips. My pen almost
refuses to write it. Mercy Merrick has consented to marry him!
"An outrage on Society--that is how my mother and my sisters view
it; that is how _you_ will view it too. My mother has herself
struck Julian's name off her invitation-list.
Pages:
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473