This appeal, so direct—so unexpected—could not be gainsaid.
Yet, when Nathanael addressed her, Agatha's agitation was so visible that it attracted observation—especially Mrs. Dugdale's.
“Poor child!” said Harrie, compassionately, “how pale she looks!”
“No wonder,” Mary added. “She is more worn out than any of us. She sat up all last night.”
Nathanael's eyes were on his wife again, full of ineffable gentleness. “Agatha, come over and rest in this armchair. I want to talk to you about my father.”
She obeyed. He spoke in a low voice:
“I feel deeply your having been so kind to him.”
“It was right. I was glad to do it.”
“What do you think caused his illness?”
“Doctor Mason said it was probably some severe mental shock.”