.
Marston, the only unconstrained person of the party. Evelyn and Aurelia
had appeared together, and it was evident from Evelyn's expression that
Aurelia had told her. What conversation there was turned upon Sir
George's illness.

"We must go by the afternoon train, my dear," said Marston down the
table to his wife. "In Sir George's present state _all_ visitors are an
incubus."

Carr looked up. "I think I ought to go, too," he said. "I wished to
arrange to do so this morning, but Mr. Danvers," glancing at Charles,
"would not hear of it. I am sure, when there is illness in a house,
strangers are always in the way."

"I have seen my father since then," replied Charles, "and I fear his
illness is much more serious than I had any idea of. That being the
case, I feel it would be wrong to press any one, even Middleton, to stay
and share the tedium of a sick-house."

After a few more civil speeches it was arranged that Carr should, after
all, leave by the train which he had proposed in the morning. It was
found that there was still time for him to do so, but that was all. He
was evidently as anxious to be off as the Danverses were that he should
go. The dog-cart was ordered, a servant despatched to the lodge in hot
haste to pack his portmanteau, and in half an hour he was bidding us
good-bye, evidently glad to say it. Poor fellow! He little guessed, as
he shook hands with us, how shamefully he had been suspected, how
villanously he had been traduced behind his back. Somehow or other I had
not had a moment of conversation with him since the morning, or a single
chance of telling him how I had stood up for him in his absence. Either
Charles or Marston were always at hand, and when he took leave of me I
could only shake his hand warmly, and tell him to come and see me again
in town. I watched him spinning down the drive in the dog-cart, little
thinking how soon I should see him again, and in what circumstances.

"We shall have more snow," said Ralph, coming in-doors. "I feel it in
the air."

General and Mrs. Marston were the next to leave, starting an hour later,
and going in the opposite direction. I saw Marston turn aside, when his
wife was taking leave of the others, and go up to Charles. The young
hand and the old one met, and were locked tight.

"Good-bye, my dear boy," said Marston.

"Don't go," said Charles, without looking up.

"I must!" said Marston. "I am due at Kemberley to-night, on business;
but," in a lo