How is she?’
‘Oh, she’ll pull through all right. It missed any vital spot, luckily. Howdid it happen?’
I told him. He said: ‘I see. Where’s the old boy? He’ll be feeling knockedout, I shouldn’t wonder. Probably needs attention more than she does. Ishouldn’t say his heart is any too good.’
We found Colonel Luttrell in the smoking-room. He was a blue colourround the mouth and looked completely dazed. He said brokenly: ‘Daisy?
Is she – how is she?’
Franklin said quickly: ‘She’ll be all right, sir. You needn’t worry.’
‘I – thought – rabbit – nibbling the bark – don’t know how I came tomake such a mistake. Light in my eyes.’
‘These things happen,’ said Franklin drily. ‘I’ve seen one or two of themin my time. Look here, sir, you’d better let me give you a pick-me-up.
You’re not feeling too good.’
‘I’m all right. Can I – can I go to her?’
‘Not just now. Nurse Craven is with her. But you don’t need to worry.
She’s all right. Dr Oliver will be here presently and he’ll tell you the same.’
I left the two of them together and went out into the evening sunshine.
Judith and Allerton were coming along the path towards me. His head wasbent to hers and they were both laughing.
夜雨聆风