Lord Chester asked him to carry the sad news up to Rosemont.
Conway performed his task as gently as he could, but Precious of course was greatly shocked.
When Conway saw her growing a little calmed under his entreaties he took leave and returned to the cottage, praying silently as he went that he might not find Earle dead as the physician foreboded.
He wished, too, to meet the Winans party when they arrived. A delicate plan had been maturing in his mind.
Earle was too low to be removed to Rosemont, and of course his relatives would be anxious to remain with him. Bruce Conway decided to give up the cottage to them and remove his own small family to a hotel.
But Senator Winans quickly vetoed the latter plan.
"We are grateful for your kind thoughtfulness, and will gladly accept your offer, but in return you must accept the hospitality of Rosemont for yourself and family," he said, and Conway knew that he was in grave earnest.
He did not refuse, for he saw that acceptance would be most proper and grateful.
Aunt Prue said that she would remain and help to nurse the invalid. There was plenty of room for Senator Winans, his wife and herself, with their servants. Miss Winans and Lord Chester could go with Bruce and Ladybird up to the great house.