"It seems as if we were to blame, because it was my poor Bella's loss that brought this on him."
"It was Clarkson's wickedness, nothing else. But do not let us talk of that. Some good has come out of the evil, as you see."
The eyes of both the friends rested on the father and daughter so strangely brought together. The strong likeness between them was unmistakable, yet Lucia's beauty had never been more vivid and striking than now when she watched her dying father, with the light of such varied emotions flickering on her face.
"Poor child!" Mrs. Costello went on. "This is better than I ever hoped for her." They went nearer, and Mrs. Bellairs bent down and kissed Lucia's cheek.
"Make your mother go home with me," she whispered. "This will be more than she is equal to." Then turning again to her friend she went on, "I see you are right, and I must go back and tell my husband. You will come with me?"
"No. I have a presentiment that I shall not be needed here long; while I am, I must stay."
"But you cannot be sure, and you must not tire yourself out at the beginning."
"I shall not tire myself. I can rest here perfectly, only I cannot leave him."
"We met the doctor just now. He said he was coming here again. Will you come if he advises it?"
Mrs. Costello again shook her head.