He cross-examined the doctor as to the dangers to be apprehended from
the patient's present condition, and shook his head gloomily at the
probable consequences of so terrible a shock to his already fragile
constitution. He summoned his three children into his presence to be
severally kissed in recognition of their deliverance, and sent a message
by Raffles to Mr Armstrong to say that he was glad to hear his injuries
were only of a slight nature, and trusted he would take what time was
necessary from his duties to make a proper recovery. After which, in a
passably good-humour, he returned to his room, and wondered what
improvements he should make at Maxfield if, by any melancholy
dispensation of Providence, the property should fall into his unworthy
hands.

Of course there were the usual thorns among the roses. Mrs Ingleton,
ill herself, was far too painfully absorbed in her boy's danger to lend
an ear to the tender nothings of her sympathetic kinsman. And the whole
party were so possessed with the notion that Mr Armstrong was something
of a hero, that any suggestion to the contrary was just then clearly
inopportune.

The main fact, however, was that Roger Ingleton, Minor--dear lad--was
very ill indeed.

"I trust, doctor," said the captain, about a fortnight after the
accident, to Dr Brandram, who was quitting the house with a decidedly
long face, "I trust our dear young patient is on a good road now to
recovery."

"I don't like the look of him, I must confess," replied the doctor;
"but, with perfect quiet and nothing to excite him, he will pull round.
The one thing to be dreaded is excitement. The lungs we have got well
in hand, but that blow on his temple makes an ugly complication."

"Poor fellow. Is there nothing one can do?"

"Let him alone, with your sweet daughter to nurse him. She is an angel,
Captain Oliphant, if you'll excuse my saying so."

"She knows, as we all do, how precious his life is. And how is your
other patient?"

"Armstrong? Practically well. I have given him leave to get up. He
has the constitution of a tiger. I wish we could give some of it to the
boy."

"Ah, indeed!" said the captain, with a sigh.

On the following day, a desire took possession of the guardian to visit
his dear ward in the sick-chamber. Rosalind, who had clung to her post,
defiant of fatigue and sleep, had been prevailed upon in deference to
her father's peremptory command to seize an hour's sleep in her