"Nothing," said Mary, "nobody can do anything. Make haste. Don't
you want a candle?"

"No, thank you, I had rather be in the dark. Come up as soon as you
have seen him," said Etheldred.

Norman went slowly down, with failing knees, hardly able to conquer
the shudder that came over him, as he passed those rooms. There were
voices in the drawing-room, and he found a sort of council there,
Alan Ernescliffe, the surgeon, and Mr. Wilmot. They turned as he
came in, and Mr. Wilmot held out his hand with a look of 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."