Edwin could not reply.
“I know what it is,” said Big James, after a pause.
“What what is?”
“This ce-re-bral softening. You’ll have trouble, Mr Edwin.”
“The doctor says not.”
“You’ll have trouble, if you’ll excuse me saying so. But it’s a good thing he’s got you. It’s a good thing for Miss Maggie as she isn’t alone with him. It’s a providence, Mr Edwin, as you’re not a married man.”
“I very nearly was married once!” Edwin cried, with a sudden uncontrollable outburst of feeling which staggered while it satisfied him. Why should he make such a confidence to Big James? Between his pleasure in the relief, and his extreme astonishment at the confession, he felt as it were lost and desperate, as if he did not care what might occur.
“Were you now!” Big James commented, with an ever intensified blandness. “Well, sir, I thank you.”