Caroline sat aghast, wondering whether the doctor had lost his senses. "The wolf at the door for us, Uncle Richard. As if that could ever be."
"Ah, Carine, I have lived to know that there is no permanent certainty in the brightest lot," he answered with a sigh. "My dear, more experience has been forced upon me in the past year or two than I had learned in the whole course of my previous life. Understand me once for all, this money must be secured to you."
"Very well, Uncle Richard," she answered with ready acquiescence. "It shall be so, as you seem so much to wish it. I'll tell Mark all you say."
A few minutes longer, and Caroline rose. Dr. Davenal was surprised that she should be going again so very soon, and looked inquiringly at her. "Can't you stay a little longer, Caroline?"
"I wish I could; but I shall hardly get back to dinner, and we expect some friends today. Goodnight, Uncle Richard."
He drew her face down to his, murmuring his farewell. Little did Caroline Cray think it would be his last.
Sara went out with her cousin, and saw her depart with the servant who had waited for her. When she returned to the chamber, the doctor was in deep thought.
"I think you must bring the table near to me again, Sara," he said. "There's another word or two I should like to write."
"Yes, papa. Do you want Edward's letter?"
"No, no; it's not to him. There. Dip the pen in the ink for me."