Under the circumstances I was perhaps less alarmed than I might have otherwise been. It was clear to me that he did not wish to see the girl who had called upon me yesterday. I was strongly inclined to look upon his present indisposition as somewhat exaggerated with a view to escaping a meeting with her. But I was soon to be undeceived. I went up to him after breakfast, and, gaining no answer to my knock at the door, I entered softly. He was lying quite still upon the bed, partially dressed, and at first I thought that he was asleep. I moved to his side on tiptoe, and a sudden shock of fear drove the color from my face, and set my heart beating wildly. His eyes were closed, his cheeks were pale as death. Upon his side, underneath his waistcoat, was a linen bandage, half soaked with blood. Evidently he had fainted in the act of fastening it. I got some brandy and forced it between his lips, chafed his hands, and gradually the life seemed to return to him. He opened his eyes and looked at me. “Don’t move!” I whispered. “I will see to the bandage.” He lay quite still, groaning every now and then until I had finished. Then I drew the counterpane over him and waited for a moment or two. He opened his eyes and looked at me. “I am going to send for a doctor,” I whispered, leaning over him. He clutched my hand. “I forbid it,” he answered, hoarsely. “Do not dare to think of it, Kate! Do you hear?” “But this is serious!” I cried. “You will be very ill.” “It is only a flesh wound,” he muttered. “I scarcely feel it; only--I drew the bandage too tightly.” “How long have you had it?” I asked. He looked towards the door; it was closed. “Since I was in London. It was a cowardly attack--the night before I returned. I have gone armed ever since. I am safe now--quite safe.” I was sorely perplexed. He was watching me with bright, feverish eyes. “Promise, Kate, that you will not send for a doctor, unless I give you leave,” he whispered, eagerly. “Your solemn promise, Kate; I must have it.” “On condition that you let me see to the bandages for you then,” I answered, reluctantly. “Very good! You can. They will want changing to-night. I am going to sleep now.” He closed his eyes and turned his face to the wall. I stole softly out of the room and down stairs. The sight of Alice’s calm and placid features as she busied herself about the affairs of the house and the parish was a constant irritation to me. I could not sit down or settle to any work. A fit of nervous restlessness came over me. Outside was a storm of wind and rain but even that I felt at last was better than inaction; so I put on my coat and hat and walked across the soddened turf and down the drive with the fresh, stinging rain in my face. I passed out into the road, and after a moment’s hesitation took the turn towards the Yellow House.