While the lawyer propounded to himself this knotty problem, two visitors were shown in--Mr Holland, again upon Miss Broad's arm. He still was not himself. The effects of the sand-bag, which the Flyman had used with more enthusiasm than he had perhaps intended, had not yet all vanished. He seemed uncertain about his capacity to steer himself. He did not carry himself so upright as was his wont. There was a look upon his face which it had not previously worn--of indecision, irresolution, as if he was not quite master of his mental faculties. That sandbag had landed on the brain. Miss Broad seemed to regard him as if he were a child; she watched over him as if he were one, and it must be allowed that he appeared to appreciate to the full her tender care.
The diplomatic lawyer chose not to see the things which were patent. His greeting was,--
'I am glad to see you, Mr Holland, looking so much yourself. I was grieved to hear that you had had an accident.'
'Accident!' The reiteration was Miss Broad's. 'You call it accident!'
'My dear young lady, the words which lawyers use are not always intended to bear their strict dictionary significance.'
Another visitor was announced--Mr Horace Burton, as much at his ease as ever. Miss Broad blazed up at sight of him.
'Dare! Collyer, who's this young lady? Oh, it's Miss Broad, my future cousin. May I ask, Letty--you'll let me call you Letty?--why you should speak of my "daring" to come to my own lawyer's office? Hallo, Guy, you look squiffy! Buck up, my boy!'
He would have saluted his cousin with his open palm upon the back had not Miss Broad caught his arm as it was descending and flung it away. He gazed at her with what was meant for admiration.
'You are a warm one, Letty, really now! If you propose to slang Guy, as you seem fond of slanging me, you ought to have a pot of money to make it worth his while. He's likely to find marriage with you an expensive luxury, my dear.'
Mr Holland half rose from the chair on which Miss Broad had placed him. He spoke with hesitating tongue.
'You had better be careful--what you say.'
'You'd better be careful what you say, or you'll tumble down.'
Miss Broad laid her hand on Mr Holland's shoulder.
'Never mind what he says. I don't. He's not worth noticing.'