“It will be a great act of kindness, Herbert.  The point of infection does not seem clear yet, but I am afraid it will be a serious outbreak.”

“I did not believe it could all be true when the report came to Rood House, but of course I came to hear the truth and see what I could do.  How is Mrs. Poynsett bearing up?”

“Bravely.  Anne contrived our carrying her up-stairs, and it is the greatest comfort to Raymond to lie and look at her, and Susan looks after them both.”

“Then he can’t be so very ill.”

“Not so acutely, but there are symptoms that make Worth anxious.  Shall I give you a note for Mrs. Fuller?”

“Do, and put me at your disposal for all you can spare for, or I can do.  Have you written to Bindon?”

“I don’t know where, within some hundred miles.  But, Herbert, I think we ought to undertake the help that is wanted at Wil’sbro’.  Smith of Duddingstone is too weakly, and poor old Mr. Moulden neither could nor would.  We are the nearest, and having it here already, do not run the risk of spreading it.  As things are, I cannot be very long away from home, but I would come in for an hour or so every day, if you could do the rest.”

“Yes, that was what I meant,” said Herbert.

“Worth says the best protection is never to go among the sick hungry or exhausted.  He says he keeps a biscuit in his pocket to eat before going into a sick house.  I shall make Rosamond keep you supplied, and you must promise to use them.”

“Oh yes, I promise.”

“And never drink anything there.  There is to be a public meeting to-morrow, to see whether the cause of this outbreak is not traceable to the water down there.”

“Mrs. Duncombe’s meddling?”

“Don’t judge without evidence.  But it does seem as if the water at the well at Pettitt’s houses had done much of the harm.  Terry was drinking it all that hot day, and to-day we hear that Lady Tyrrell and two of the servants are ill, besides poor little Joe Reynolds.”

“It is very terrible,” said Herbert.  “Lady Tyrrell, did you say?”

“Yes.  She was there constantly, like Raymond’s wife.  Happily there is not much fear for your people, Herbert.  Your father was at the dinner, but he is not a water drinker, and Jenny only just came to the bazaar, that was all.  Edith happily gave up the ball.”

“I know,” said Herbert, colouring.  “Jenny persuaded her to give it up because of—­me.  Oh, how I have served them all!”

“I told Jenny that perhaps her Ember prayers had been met in the true way.”

“Yes,” said Herbert.  “I can’t understand now how I could have been such an audacious fool as to present myself so coolly after the year I had spent.  God forgive me for it!  Rector, thank you for leaving me at Rood House.  It was like having one’s eyes opened to a new life.  I say, do you know anything about Harry Hornblower?  Is he come home?”