Page 453 of 896

Two things at once impressed themselves on Mr. Lorry, as

important above all others; the first, that this must be kept

secret from Lucie; the second, that it must be kept secret from

all who knew him. In conjunction with Miss Pross, he took

immediate steps towards the latter precaution, by giving out that

the Doctor was not well, and required a few days of complete

rest. In aid of the kind deception to be practised on his

daughter, Miss Pross was to write, describing his having been

called away professionally, and referring to an imaginary letter

of two or three hurried lines in his own hand, represented to

have been addressed to her by the same post.

These measures, advisable to be taken in any case, Mr. Lorry took

in the hope of his coming to himself. If that should happen soon,

he kept another course in reserve; which was, to have a certain

opinion that he thought the best, on the Doctor's case.