How many?'
'Do not speak in that way, my poor boy,' said Mr. Audley. At least,
this is better than the weight you have had on your mind so long.'
'How many?' repeated Fernando.
'Two more lives were lost,' said Mr. Audley gently, 'Mr. Jones's baby
and its nurse. But you must not use harder words than are just,
Fernando. It was a terrible result, but consequences do not make the
evil.'
He made a kind of murmur, then turning round, uneasily said, 'That is
not all; I have seen myself, Mr. Audley.'
Mr. Audley looked at Felix, who spoke with some difficulty and
perplexity. 'He has been very unhappy all night. He thinks things
wrong that he never thought about before.'
Mr. Audley felt exceedingly hopeful at those words; but he was
alarmed at the physical effect on his patient, and felt that the
present excitement was mischievous. 'I understand in part,' he said.
'But it seems to me that he is too restless and uncomfortable to
think or understand now. It may be that he may yet see the joy of to-
day; but no more talk now. Have you had your breakfast?'
He shook his head, but Felix had to go away, and breakfast and
dressing restored Fernando to a more tranquil state.
Pages:
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264