“It is best that we should talk in this strain,” said Tarbot, dropping his voice. “I repeat, the shock which caused death was the sudden appearance on the scene of Sir Richard Pelham.”
“I don’t think so; the boy was fond of his cousin.”
“He was; but love is too mighty an emotion when life ebbs so low. We should never have pulled him through. Well, nurse, it is a fine thing for Sir Richard.”
“I fail to understand you,” said the nurse. Then she added significantly, “I have done my part well?”
“Admirably.”
“You will keep your part of the bargain?”
“Certainly.”
“Then you will give a certificate of death?”
“For the sake of appearances, I should like to see the child again in the morning, but I am as sure that death has already taken place as that I am now talking to you. In the morning I can write the certificate.”
“What cause will you give for death?” asked the woman.