“Is that so, sir?”

“It is.  The case is without a parallel.  How long has he been so?”

“Nearly a week.”

“Impossible!”

“It is so, sir.”

Lady Cicely confirmed this.

“All the better,” said Dr. Staines upon reflection.  “Well, sir,” said he, “the visible injuries having been ably relieved, I shall look another way for the cause.”  Then, after another pause, “I must have his head shaved.”

Lady Cicely demurred a little to this; but Dr. Staines stood firm, and his lordship’s valet undertook the job.

Staines directed him where to begin; and when he had made a circular tonsure on the top of the head, had it sponged with tepid water.

“I thought so,” said he.  “Here is the mischief;” and he pointed to a very slight indentation on the left side of the pia mater.  “Observe,” said he, “there is no corresponding indentation on the other side.  Underneath this trifling depression a minute piece of bone is doubtless pressing on the most sensitive part of the brain.  He must be trephined.”

Mr. White’s eyes sparkled.

“You are an hospital surgeon, sir?”

“Yes, Dr. Staines.  I have no fear of the operation.”

“Then I hand the patient over to you.  The case at present is entirely surgical.”

White was driven home, and soon returned with the requisite instruments.  The operation was neatly performed, and then Lady Cicely was called in.  She came trembling; her brother’s fingers were still working, but not so regularly.

“That is only habit,” said Staines; “it will soon leave off, now the cause is gone.”

And, truly enough, in about five minutes the fingers became quiet.  The eyes became human next; and within half an hour after the operation the earl gave a little sigh.

Lady Cicely clasped her hands, and uttered a little cry of delight.

“This will not do,” said Staines, “I shall have you screaming when he speaks.”

“Oh, Dr. Staines! will he ever speak?”

“I think so, and very soon.  So be on your guard.”

This strange scene reached its climax soon after, by the earl saying, quietly,—­

“Are her knees broke, Tom?”

Lady Cicely uttered a little scream, but instantly suppressed it.

“No, my lord,” said Staines, smartly; “only rubbed a bit.  You can go to sleep, my lord.  I’ll take care of the mare.”

“All right,” said his lordship; and composed himself to slumber.

Dr. Staines, at the earnest request of Lady Cicely, stayed all night; and in course of the day advised her how to nurse the patient, since both physician and surgeon had done with him.