He saw the agonised look in the husband's countenance as he covered the face and straightened the limbs of his dead wife, and placing his hand on his arm he said—
"You are the husband of this lady, I presume?"
Arthur could only silently assent.
"My friend," he said gently, "nothing that I or any one else can do would avail now, your wife's sufferings are over in this world."
"Sufferings!" exclaimed Arthur, "in what way, doctor?"
"Has not this lady been afflicted for some time with disease of the heart?" asked Dr. West.
"I don't know; she has never complained to me. I have only been married six months."
"I fear there must be an inquest, then," replied the doctor; "where does your own medical man reside?"
"In Melbourne," replied Arthur, in agitated tones; "we only arrived in England last week. Doctor, will you do all that is necessary for me in this terrible matter? here is my card; we were on our way to visit a relative in Kilburn; you will find me at Englefield Grange tomorrow."
"Englefield Grange!" exclaimed Dr. West, "are you related to our good old friend Dr. Halford?"