"I cannot grow reconciled to her loss," he said in low tones. "At times can scarcely believe in it. To have been carried off after only a day's fever seems to me incredible."
And Mrs. Gass felt that the words startled her to pallor. She turned away lest he should see the change in her countenance.
Bad news arrived from Mrs. Cumberland. Only a morning or two later, a loud knock at the front-door disturbed Jelly and Dinah at their breakfast. Upon its being opened by the latter, Dr. Rane walked straight into the kitchen without ceremony, an open letter in his hand. Jelly rose and curtsied. She had been markedly respectful to the doctor of late, perhaps in very fear lest he should suspect the curious things that were troubling her mind.
"My mother will be home to-night, Jelly."
"To-night, sir!" exclaimed Jelly in her surprise.
"She is much worse. Very ill indeed. She says she is coming home to die."
Jelly was startled out of her equanimity.
"It is only three lines, and she writes herself," continued Dr. Rane, just showing the letter in his hand, as if in confirmation. "They were to go to London yesterday, remain there the night, and will come home to-day. Of course you will have everything in readiness."
"Yes, sir. And what about meeting my mistress at the station?"
"I shall go myself," said Dr. Rane.