’Oh!  Maurice, I can’t help it!  He had no one to care for him till I came, and he is such a very dear fellow—­he wants me so much!’

Mr. Ferrars agreed to go with Mr. Kendal to Traversham.  He thought his father would be encouraged by his presence, and he was not devoid of curiosity.  Albinia would not hear of staying at home; in fact, Maurice suspected her of being afraid to trust Gilbert to his mercy.

With a trembling heart she left the train at the little Traversham station, making resolutions neither to be too angry with the negligent tutor, nor to show Gilbert how much importance she attached to his illness.

As they walked into the village, they heard a merry clamour of tongue, and presently met five or six boys, and, a few paces behind them, Mr. Downton.

‘Ah!’ he exclaimed, ’I am glad you are come.  I would have written yesterday, but that I found your boy had done so.  I shall be very glad to have him cheered up about himself.  I will turn back with you.  You go on, Price.  They are setting out for one of Hullah’s classes, so we shall have the house clear.’

‘I hope there is not much amiss?’ said Mr. Kendal.

‘A tedious cold,’ said the tutor; ’but the doctor assures me that there is nothing wrong with his chest, and I do believe he would not cough half so much, if he were not always watching himself.’

‘Who has been attending him?’

‘Lee, the union doctor, a very good man, with a large family,’ (Albinia could have beaten him).  ‘Indeed,’ he continued perceiving some dissatisfied looks, ’I think you will find that a little change is all that he wants.’

‘I hope you can give a good account of him in other respects?’ said Mr. Kendal.

’Oh! yes, in every way; he is the most good-natured lad in the world, and quite the small boys’ friend.  Perhaps he has been a little more sentimental of late, but that may be only from being rather out of order.  I’ll call him.’

The last words were spoken as they entered the parsonage, where opening a door, he said, ’Here, Kendal, here’s a new prescription for you.’

Albinia had a momentary view of a tabby-cat and kitten, a volume of poetry, a wiry-haired terrier, and Gilbert, all lying promiscuously on the hearth-rug, before the two last leaped up, the one to bark, and the other to come forward with outstretched hand, and glad countenance.

He looked flushed and languid, but the roaring fire and close room might account for that, and though, when the subject was mentioned, he gave a short uncomfortable cough, Albinia’s mind was so far relieved, that she was in doubt with whom to be angry, and prepared to stand on the defensive, should her brother think him too well.

The gentlemen went away together, and Gilbert, grasping her hand, gave way to one of his effusions of affection—­’So kind to come to him—­he knew he had her to trust to, whatever happened’—­and he leant his cheek on his hand in a melancholy mood.