respecting my son, and you are the only one now living who can tell me
about him. You shall find that I am not ungrateful for what you have
done for me. In the meantime, you will stop at the King's Arms, in
Eastbury. Miss Hope will give you a note to the landlord. Come up here
to-morrow at eleven. And now I must say good-morning. I am not very
strong, and your news has shaken me a little. Will you do me the honour
of shaking hands with me? It was your hands that closed my poor boy's
eyes--that touched him last on earth; let those hands now be touched by
his mother."

Lady Chillington stood up and extended both her withered hands. The old
soldier came forward with a blush and took them respectfully, tenderly.
He bent his head and touched each of them in turn with his lips. Tears
stood in his eyes.

"God bless you, Sergeant Nicholas! You are a good man and a true
gentleman," said Lady Chillington. Then she turned and slowly left the
room.




CHAPTER XXI.

COUNSEL TAKEN WITH MR. MADGIN.


After her interview with Sergeant Nicholas, Lady Chillington dismissed
Janet for the day, and retired to her own rooms, nor was she seen out of
them till the following morning. No one was admitted to see her save