ours' sleep and has taken her place by
his bedside. There is no immediate cause for anxiety, my dear Clarence,"
said the physician, in reply to the questions put to him.

"The worst of it is, doctor, that while it was absolutely necessary for
me to stay here during Fabian's absence, I dare not go into my father's
room. He thinks that I am at North End. And he would become very angry
if he knew that I was here against his will and his commands. Besides
which, I hate deception and concealment," complained Mr. Clarence.

"It is rather a difficult case to manage, my boy, but it is absolutely
necessary that either yourself or your brother should be on hand here
day and night; it is equally necessary that your father should be kept
quiet. So I see nothing better to do than for you to stay here and keep
still until you are wanted," replied the doctor.

And then the three went into the little library or office at the rear of
the hall, and what further was said among them was whispered with closed
doors. At the end of fifteen minutes they came out. The doctor took
leave of all the family and went away.

Mr. Fabian went up to his father's door and rapped softly.

Old Martha came to admit him.

"How is your master? Is he awake? Can I see him?" he inquired.

"Surely, Marse Fabe! Ole marse wide awake, berry easy, and 'quiring
arter you. Come in, sar!"

Mr. Fabian entered the room, which was in some darkness from the closed
window shutters, and went up to his father's bed.

"I hope you are better, sir," he said.

"I don't know," said the injured man, in a faint voice.

"How are the works getting on?"

"Famously, sir! Splendidly! Pray do not feel the least anxiety on that
score."

"Where is Clarence?"

"At North End, sir. Of course, he would not think of leaving the works
while both you and myself are absent."

"I don't know," sighed the weary invalid, for the third time. "But you
had better not, either of you, attempt to deceive me while I am lying
here on my back."

"Not for the world, my dear father! Pray do not be doubtful or anxious.
We are your dutiful sons, sir, and our first--"

"Rubbish!" exclaimed the broken Iron King. "That will do! Go send Rose
to me. Why the deuce did she leave? I--I--I--" His voice dropped into an
inarticulate murmur.

Mr. Fabian bent over him, and saw that he had dozed off to sleep.

"Dat's de way he's been a-goin' on ebber since de doctor lef'. It's de
truck wot de doctor give h