‘Indeed, Mrs Bold, I shall live alone, quite alone as far as the heart is concerned, if those with whom I yearn to ally myself turn away from me. But enough of this; I have called you my friend, and I hope you will not contradict me. I trust the time may come when I may also call your father so. My God bless you, Mrs Bold, you and your darling boy. And tell your father from me that what can be done for his interest shall be done.’

And so he took his leave, pressing the widow’s hand rather more closely than usual. Circumstances, however, seemed just then to make this intelligible, and the lady did not feel called on to resent it.

‘I cannot understand him,’ said Eleanor to Mary Bold, a few minutes afterwards. ‘I do not know whether he is a good man or a bad man—whether he is true or false.’

‘Then give him the benefit of the doubt,’ said Mary, ‘and believe the best.’

‘On the whole I think I do,’ said Eleanor. ‘I think I do believe that he means well—and if so, it is a shame that we should revile him, and make him miserable while he is among us. But, oh Mary, I fear papa will be disappointed in the hospital.’