At half-past six Lord Rufford was told that the Major had recovered his senses, but that the case was almost hopeless.

Of course he saw his guest.

"I'm all right," said the Major.

The Lord sat there by the bedside, holding the man's hand for a few moments, and then got up to leave him.

"No nonsense about putting off," said the Major in a faint voice; "beastly bosh all that!" But what was to be done?
The dozen people who were in the house must of course sit down to dinner.