“Well, he set that matter right between us with perfect taste.  He said:  ’I cannot presume to offer repayment to a person so wealthy.  We gratefully accept our obligation to our kind unknown friend.  For the future, however, my nephew’s expenses must be paid from my purse.’  Of course I could only agree to that.  From time to time the mother is to hear, and I am to hear, how the boy goes on.  Or, if you like, Romayne—­now that the General’s family has left England—­I don’t see why the proprietor might not make his report directly to yourself.”

“No!” Romayne rejoined, positively.  “Let things remain as they are.”

“Very well.  I can send you any letters that I may receive from the asylum.  Will you give us some music, Mrs. Romayne?  Not to-night?  Then let us go to the billiard-room; and as I am the worst of bad players, I will ask you to help me to beat your accomplished husband.”

On the afternoon of the next day, Mrs. Eyrecourt’s maid arrived at Ten Acres with a note from her mistress.

“Dearest Stella—­Matilda must bring you my excuses for to-day.  I don’t in the least understand it, but I seem to have turned lazy.  It is most ridiculous—­I really cannot get out of bed.  Perhaps I did do just a little too much yesterday.  The opera after the garden party, and a ball after the opera, and this tiresome cough all night after the ball.  Quite a series, isn’t it?  Make my apologies to our dear dismal Romayne—­and if you drive out this afternoon, come and have a chat with me.  Your affectionate mother, Emily Eyrecourt.  P. S.—­You know what a fidget Matilda is.  If she talks about me, don’t believe a word she says to you.”

Stella turned to the maid with a sinking heart.

“Is my mother very ill?” she asked.

“So ill, ma’am, that I begged and prayed her to let me send for a doctor.  You know what my mistress is.  If you would please to use your influence—­”

“I will order the carriage instantly, and take you back with me.”

Before she dressed to go out, Stella showed the letter to her husband.  He spoke with perfect kindness and sympathy, but he did not conceal that he shared his wife’s apprehensions.  “Go at once,” were his last words to her; “and, if I can be of any use, send for me.”

It was late in the evening before Stella returned.  She brought sad news.

The physician consulted told her plainly that the neglected cough, and the constant fatigue, had together made the case a serious one.  He declined to say that there was any absolute danger as yet, or any necessity for her remaining with her mother at night.  The experience of the next twenty-four hours, at most, would enable him to speak positively.  In the meantime, the patient insisted that Stella should return to her husband.  Even under the influence of opiates, Mrs. Eyrecourt was still drowsily equal to herself.  “You are a fidget, my dear, and Matilda is a fidget—­I can’t have two of you at my bedside.  Good-night.”  Stella stooped over her and kissed her.  She whispered:  “Three weeks notice, remember, for the party!”