Gilbert called upon Mrs. Branston before carrying John Saltram out of
town; he fancied that her offer of the Maidenhead villa would be better
acknowledged personally than by a letter. He found the pretty little
widow sorely disappointed by Mr. Saltram's refusal to occupy her house,
and it was a little difficult to explain to her why they both preferred
other quarters for the convalescent.
"Why will he not accept the smallest favour from me?" Adela Branston
asked plaintively. "He ought to know that there is no _arriere pensee_ in
any offer which I make him--that I have no wish except for his welfare.
Why does he not trust me a little more?"
"He will do so in future, I think, Mrs. Branston," Gilbert answered
gravely. "I fancy he has learned the folly and danger of all underhand
policy, and that he will put more faith in his friends for the rest of
his life."
"And he is really much better, quite out of danger? Do the doctors say
that?"
"He is as much out of danger as a man can well be whose strength has all
been wasted in a perilous illness. He has that to regain yet, and the
recovery will be slow work. Of course in his condition a relapse would be
fatal; but there is no occasion to apprehend a relapse."
"Thank heaven for that! And you will take care of him, Mr. Fenton, will
you not?"
"I will do my very best.
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