He thought more about the silver downstairs, and
what it was likely to realize in the auction-room. Even in this supreme
hour his conscience did not trouble him much about the doubtful modes by
which some of the plate he had dealt in had reached his hands. If he had
not bought the things, some other dealer would have bought them. That is
the easy-going way in which he would have argued the question, had he
been called upon to argue it at all.
Mr. Fenton came in the evening to see the old man, and stood for a little
time by the bedside watching him as he slept, and talking in a low voice
to Marian. He asked her how long she was going to remain in Queen Anne's
Court, and found her ideas very vague upon that subject.
"If the end is so near as the doctor says, it would be cruel to leave my
grandfather till all is over," she said.
"I wonder that your husband has not come to you, if he is in London,"
Gilbert remarked to her presently. He found himself very often wondering
about her husband's proceedings, in no indulgent mood.
"He may not be in London," she answered, seeming a little vexed by the
observation. "I am quite sure that he will do whatever is best."
"But if he should not come to you, and if your grandfather should die
while you are alone here, I trust you will send for me and let me give
you any help you may require.
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