BOOK THREE.
HIDDEN SURPRISES XX "HE OR YOU! THERE IS NO THIRD" A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, And yet I would not sleep Merciful powers! Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose.
_Macbeth_.
For several days I had been ill.

They were merciful days to me since I was far too weak for thought.

Then there came a period of conscious rest, then renewed interest in life and my own fate and reputation.

What had happened during this interval?
I had a confused memory of having seen Clifton's face at my bedside, but I was sure that no words had passed between us.

When would he come again?
When should I hear about Carmel, and whether she were yet alive, or mercifully dead, like her sister?
I might read the papers, but they had been carefully kept from me.