”I have no time to spare.”

He was sitting in an attitude of deep meditation, and seemed not to hear her.

“Your sister,” said he, with abruptness, a moment afterwards — ”is out of danger. I heard it from the servant. God be praised! — But is it true? is it really true?”

Elinor would not speak. He repeated the inquiry with yet greater eagerness.

“For God's sake tell me, is she out of danger, or is she not?”

“We hope she is.”

He rose up, and walked across the room.

“Had I known as much half an hour ago — But since I AM here,” — speaking with a forced vivacity as he returned to his seat —