“To take away Bessy!”
“The two have determined to make themselves into one, I believe. Bessy only hesitated because of leaving poor Bertie. That impediment will not be in her way long.”
He sighed as he spoke. Dr. Knox did not yet see what he was wanted for: and asked again.
“I’ve been leading up to it,” said Mr. Tamlyn. “You must come back to me, Arnold.”
“On the same terms as before?” inquired the doctor, after a pause.
“Nonsense. You’d say ‘No,’ off-hand, if I proposed them. In Shuttleworth’s place.”
“Of course, Mr. Tamlyn, I could not come—I would not come unless it were made worth my while. If it were, I should like it of all things.”
“Yes, just so; that’s what I mean. Don’t you like your post in London?”
“I like it very well, indeed. And I have had no doubt that it will lead to something better. But, if I saw a fair prospect before me here, I should prefer to come back to Lefford.”
“That shall be made fair enough. Things have changed with me, Arnold: and I shouldn’t wonder but you will some time, perhaps not very far distant, have all my practice in your own hands. I feel to be getting old: spirits and health are alike broken.”