"
At last the car slowed down in front of a gate, on one side of which was
a big board. On this board was painted a statement to the effect that the
historic estate of Doryford House was to be let or sold, furnished or
unfurnished, "Apply to the principal London agents."
The finding of the place had not been quite easy, and Radmore drew a
breath of relief as he helped Betty down.
"When Timmy and I were last here," he said hurriedly, "there was a child
very ill at the lodge. So I think I'd better go and just find how things
are."
He was hoping with all his heart that the news he would see on the
mother's face would be good news. Somehow he felt that it would be of
happy augury for himself.
As he rang the bell his heart was beating--a feeling of acute suspense
had suddenly come over him, of which he was secretly ashamed, for it was
almost entirely a selfish distress. And then, when the door opened, he
saw that all was well, for the young woman's worn face was radiant.
"Is that you, sir? Oh, I did hope that you would come again!" she
exclaimed, "The doctor says that my little girl's certain to get well. I
was terrible anxious the day before yesterday, but now though she's weak
and wan, you'd hardly know she'd been bad, sir.
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