"Mr. Davenport is surely not as bad as all
that!"
"When did you see him last?" Miss Templeton asked.
"A fortnight ago," Lilian Rosenberg replied. "I have been inundated
with work the past two weeks."
"Then you've not heard that he's had a relapse," Miss Templeton said,
"and is now in a most critical condition! He has something on his
mind, and the doctor assures me that whilst he is still worrying over
that something, there is no chance of his recovery."
"Do you know what it is--the something?" Lilian Rosenberg asked, the
white on her cheeks intensifying.
"Yes!" Miss Templeton said slowly, and trying to appear calm. "He is
very worried about Miss Martin's engagement to Mr. Hamar."
"And why, pray?"
"Because he knows all about Mr. Hamar--and the compact."
"He has told you?"
"I have gleaned it from what he has said in his delirium."
"Has he been as ill as that?"
"Yes, he has. He had a temperature of a hundred and four the day
before yesterday."
For a few moments there was silence. Then Lilian Rosenberg said, "Can
you believe what a man says in delirium?"
"In this instance I feel sure you can," Miss Templeton replied.
"Why should Miss Martin's engagement be of such interest to Mr.
Davenport?"
Miss Templeton thought for a moment. "Because," she said at last, "he
is in love with her."
"Are you sure of it?"
"Absolutely!"
"Do you think she cares for him, even as much as that?" and she
snapped her fingers.
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