'There's worse things nor that,' said Dan. 'Look thee here, get
out o' th' house for a' 'our. Go to th' Conservative Club, and
then come back. Dost understand?'
'But what--'
'Hook it, lad!' said Dan curtly.
And just as Harold was leaving the room, like a school-boy, he
called him in again.
'I havena' told thee, Harold, as I'm subject to attacks. I'm
getting up in years. I go off like. It isna' fits, but I go off.
And if it should happen while I'm here, dunna' be alarmed.'
'What are we to do?'
'Do nothing. I come round in a minute or two. Whatever ye do,
dunna' give me brandy. It might kill me--so th' doctor says. I'm
only telling thee in case.'
'Well, I hope you won't have an attack,' said Harold.
'It's a hundred to one I dunna',' said Dan.
And Harold departed.
Soon afterwards Uncle Dan wandered into a kitchen full of
servants.
'Show me th' missis's bedroom, one on ye,' he said to the crowd.
And presently he was knocking at Maud's door.
'Maudie!'
'Who is it?' came a voice.
'It's thy owd uncle. Can'st spare a minute?'
Maud appeared at the door, smiling, and arrayed in a peignoir.
'HE'S gone out,' said Dan, implying scorn of the person who had
gone out. 'Wilt come down-stairs?'
'Where's he gone to?' Maud demanded.
She didn't even pretend she was ill.
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