Mr. Fenton came in the evening to see the old man, and stood for a little time by the bedside watching him as he slept, and talking in a low voice to Marian. He asked her how long she was going to remain in Queen Anne's Court, and found her ideas very vague upon that subject.
"If the end is so near as the doctor says, it would be cruel to leave my grandfather till all is over," she said.
"I wonder that your husband has not come to you, if he is in London," Gilbert remarked to her presently. He found himself very often wondering about her husband's proceedings, in no indulgent mood.
"He may not be in London," she answered, seeming a little vexed by the observation. "I am quite sure that he will do whatever is best."
"But if he should not come to you, and if your grandfather should die while you are alone here, I trust you will send for me and let me give you any help you may require. You can scarcely stay in this house after the poor old man's death."
"I shall go back to Hampshire immediately; if I am not wanted here for anything—to make arrangements for the funeral. O, how hard it seems to speak of that while he is still living!"
"You need give yourself no trouble on that account. I will see to all that, if there is no more proper person to do so."
"You are very good. I am anxious to go back to the Grange as quickly as possible."
Gilbert left soon after this. He felt that his presence was of no use in the sick-room, and that he had no right to intrude upon Marian at such a time.