"Oh! he has been an ill man since May," said Chide, evasively. "No doubt
there has been heart mischief--unsuspected--for a long time. The doctors
will know--presently. Poor Broadstone!--it will nearly kill him too."
She held out the letter to him.
"You are to read it;" and then, in broken tones, pointing: "look! he
said so."
He started as he saw the writing on the back, and again his hand pressed
hers kindly.
"He felt ill," she said, brokenly; "he foresaw it. Those are his last
words--his precious last words."
She hid her face. As Chide gave it back to her, his brow and lip had
settled into the look which made him so formidable in court. He looked
round him abruptly.
"Where is the _Herald_? I hear Mrs. Colwood brought it out."
He searched the grass in vain, and the chairs. Lady Lucy was silent.
Presently she rose feebly.
"When--when will they take him away?"
"Directly. The ambulance is coming--I shall go with him. Take my arm."
She leaned on him heavily, and as they approached the house they saw two
figures step out of it--Marsham and Diana.
Diana came quickly, in her light white dress. Her eyes were red, but she
was quite composed.
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