“Yes, it is all gone now; all except the bit of ground that Mr. Gregory’s house stands on. The house and land we have kept for our own.”
“And there you live alone? Are all the others gone?”
“Nearly all. Some stay and work in the cotton mill, which has been enlarged, but the cabins are mostly used now by the coloured people who work the land, and are employed also in the mill.”
They were silent for a moment, and then Everett said:—
“We have heard that you are going soon to India. Is it true?”
“Yes, I go next month.”
“As a teacher?”
“Yes, partly, but I am also to be connected with a hospital. You know that is work which I have always liked, and this is to be a new hospital, bearing my husband’s name.”
Everett was silent, and Anna noted as she had not before the profound sadness of his face. Presently he looked at her with undisguised anxiety and asked a question which she had already begun to dread.
“Would you be willing to see Mr. Gregory before you go?”