"No, sir."

"Then you will have to wait till they return."

"Can't I go up to Carl's room and be packing his things?"

"Yes, I think you may. I don't think Mrs. Crawford would object."

"Good heavens! Hasn't the man a mind of his own?" thought Gilbert.

"Jane, you may show this young gentleman up to Master Carl's room, and
give him the key of his trunk. He is going to pack his clothes."

"When is Master Carl coming back?" asked Jane.

"I--I don't know. I think he will be away for a time."

"I wish it was Peter instead of him," said Jane, in a low voice, only
audible to Gilbert.

She showed Gilbert the way upstairs, while the doctor went to his study.

"Are you a friend of Master Carl's?" asked Jane, as soon as they were
alone.

"Yes, Jane."

"And where is he?"