That was done before I came. I don't know why he shouldn't
have sent for your father, but he had a gentleman down from town. I
suppose he will leave her something; but it is a great thing that
Bragton should remain in the family. Oh dear, oh dear,--if any one
but a Morton were to be here it would break my heart. Reginald is
the only one left now of the old branch. He's getting old and he
ought to marry. It is so serious when there's an old family
property."
"I suppose he will--only--"
"Yes; exactly. One can't even think about it while this poor young
man is lying so ill. Mrs. Morton has been almost like his mother,
and has lived upon the Bragton property,--absolutely lived upon
it,--and now she is away from him because he chooses to do what he
likes with his own. Is it not awful? And she would not put her foot
in the house if she knew that Reginald was here. She told Mrs.
Hopkins as much, and she said that she wouldn't so much as write a
line to me. Poor fellow; he wrote it himself. And now he thinks so
much about it. When Dr. Fanning went back to London yesterday I
think he took some message to her."
Mary remained there till lunch was announced but refused to go down
into the parlour, urging that she was expected home for dinner.
"And there is no chance for Mr. Twentyman?" asked Lady Ushant.
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