"Well, yes; I suppose so. A man has got so many things to look after
which he can't attend to down here."

"I don't know what they are, but you understand it all. I'm not going to
ask you to stay. Does it ever occur to you that you may never see me
again?"

"What a question!"

"It's one that requires an answer, at any rate."

"It does occur to me; but not at all as probable."

"Why not probable?"

"Because there's a telegraph wire from Tretton to London; and because
the journey down here is very short. It also occurs to me to think so
from what has been said by Sir William Brodrick. Of course any man may
die suddenly."

"Especially when the surgeons have been at him."

"You have your sister with you, sir, and she will be of more comfort to
you than I can be. Your condition is in some respects an advantage to
you. These creditors of Mountjoy can't force their way in upon you."

"You are wrong there."

"They have not done so."