Mr. probyn did not conceal from us that the
learned Dutch physician, Doctor Dirkius, though his condition very
serious, and that only great care could save his life.
Of course I made up my mind at once to set forth and travel as
quickly as I could--the King had kindly secured my permission--and to
take Tryphena with me, as she knew better than any one what to do for
Eustace. Annora besought permission to accompany me, and, to my
surprise, my mother consented, saying to me in confidence that she
did not like leaving her in Lady Ommaney's care while she herself was
with the Queen of England. Lady Ommaney was not of sufficient rank,
and had ideas. In effect, I believe my mother had begun to have her
suspicions about Clement Darpent, though separation a good thing,
never guessing, as I did, that one part of Nan's eagerness to be with
her brother was in order to confide in him, and to persuade him as
she had never been able to do by letter. There remained my son to be
disposed of, but I had full confidence in the Abbe, who had bred up
his father so well, and my boy would, I knew, always look up to him
and obey him, so that I could leave him in his care when not in
waiting, and they were even to spend the summer together in a little
expedition to Nid de Merle. I wanted to see my son love his country
home as English gentlemen lover theirs; but I fear that can never be,
since what forms affection is the habit of conferring benefits, and
we are permitted to do so little for our peasants.
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