"I'm very glad," Cragg replied; and he went down the narrow staircase to find Pattie waiting for him below.
"So kind of you to come!" she whispered. "I'm sure it has been a comfort to him. I don't know what he wanted, but—"
"It was about you, a good deal. He didn't feel happy about your future."
"Oh, there's time enough for thinking about me. I only have to think of him now. And I must go. I mustn't wait. He might want me. But thank you very much for all you have done for him; it was very good of you."
Then Cragg went home, and Pattie returned to her father's side, to watch through the few remaining hours. He lingered over a good part of the following day; but before the Vicar could arrive, and very soon after Pattie's return to the room, he became unconscious. From the unconsciousness he never rallied.
Towards the evening of the next day Pattie Dale was an orphan.
[CHAPTER VI]
The Next Step
CRAGG was in a serious dilemma. He had to tell his wife of the promise made to Dale, and he dreaded doing so. Not that Mrs. Cragg could prevent his carrying out that promise, but she had it in her power to make matters extremely disagreeable, as well for him as for Pattie. Like most men, not to speak of women, he disliked to have things made disagreeable. He preferred "peace, and a quiet life."
Still, the thing had to be done. Having made a promise, he had to let his wife know of that promise.