Neil smiled sadly as he bent down and kissed the agitated woman, and thought of his diplomas, and the trust and faith of the eminent surgeon who had chosen him for assistant in the ward of the great London hospital. "Yes, Aunt, dear," he said quietly. "You are quite right. I have sent for Sir Denton." "Oh, that's very good of you, my dear. You are so young; and I was afraid, dear, that you would be too proud to accept any help, and--" "Hist!" said Neil quickly; and he stepped to his father's side, for he had seen a quick, trembling motion about the eyes, and the injured man began to mutter. "Quite out of the question, my lad--I have made other arrangements for my child." He uttered a heavy sigh. "Ride any horse--jumps well--you did not--" His eyes open and staring now, and fixed on his son. "Neil!" he said aloud, "what's the matter? Here, give me your hand." He tried to rise, and a spasm contracted his face as Neil watched him anxiously and saw a confirmation of his fears. "I don't understand." "Don't try to move, father. You are a little hurt," said Neil gravely. "Are you in much pain?" "Pain? No," said his father irritably. "Why don't you both speak? What does it all mean?" "Your horse fell, sir," said Neil gently. "Lie quite still." "My horse fell? What horse fell? How long have I been here?" "My dear father, you must try and be calm, please." "But I don't understand," he cried angrily. "You said my horse fell. I can't remember." "But you will soon. Try and go to sleep." "Don't be absurd, boy. Here, help me to get--" He did not finish his sentence but tried to raise himself and then lay perfectly still, with his jaw dropped, and a look of horror in his eyes. "Neil--my boy," he said piteously, "I can't move. This sudden weakness--I--yes--I remember now. The Don fell with me. Quick--tell me--am I much hurt?" "I hope not, sir. It was a bad fall, but there are no bones broken." "But--" He stopped, and looked wildly at his son. "Father, you must try and be calm," said Neil firmly. "Ralph, dearest--pray--pray--be calm," said Aunt Anne. "Silence, woman!" he cried harshly; and the great drops of perspiration began to gather on his brow. "Yes," he continued hoarsely, "I begin to remember clearly now. The brute fell and rolled over me. Here, Neil, you are a surgeon--tell me--not seriously hurt?" "You are hurt, father, and it is absolutely necessary that you should be quite calm." "Calm, sir! How can I be calm? Do you take me for a child? Send for a proper doctor at once--a man who can understand, and who will tell me the truth." "I am telling you the truth, father. I repeat--it is absolutely necessary that you should lie still and try to be calm." "But--" He uttered that word angrily, and clutched at the side of the couch to try again and raise himself, but his arm fell nervelessly by his side, and he gave his son a piteous look.