"Why, of course you must. What am I to do in this large house by myself now _he_ is gone? Bessy will be gone too. I couldn't stand it." "It would be much more convenient for me to be here, as far as the practice is concerned," remarked Dr. Knox, after reflection. "And more sociable. Do you never think of marriage, Arnold?" Dr. Knox turned a little red. "It has been of no use for me to think of it hitherto, you know, sir." "I wish you would. Some nice, steady girl, who would make things pleasant here for us in Bessy's place. There's room for a wife as well as for you, Arnold. Think of these empty rooms: no one but you and me in them! And you know people like a married medical man better than a single one." The doctor opened his lips to speak, but his courage failed him; he would leave it to the last thing before he left on the morrow, or else write from London. Tamlyn mistook his silence. "You'll be well enough off to keep two wives, if the law allowed it, let alone one. From the day you join me, Arnold, half the profits shall be yours--I'll have the deed made out--and the whole practice at my death. I've no one to save for, now Bertie's gone." "He is better off; he is in happiness," said Dr. Knox, his voice a little husky. "Ay. I try to let it console me. But I've no one but you now, Arnold. And I don't suppose I shall forget you in my will. To confess the truth, turning you away to make room for Shuttleworth has lain on my conscience." When Arnold reached home that night, Mrs. Knox and her eldest daughter were alone; she reading, Mina dressing a doll. Lefford was a place that went in for propriety, and no one gave soirées while Bertie Tamlyn lay dead. Arnold told Mrs. Knox of the new arrangement. "Good gracious!" she exclaimed. "Coming back to Lefford! Well, I shall be glad to have you at home again," she added, thinking of the household bills. "Mr. Tamlyn proposes that I shall live with him," said Dr. Knox. "But you will never be so stupid as to do that!" "I have promised to do it. It will be much more convenient." Mrs. Knox looked sullen, and bit her lips. "How large a share are you to have?" "I go in as full partner." "Oh, I am so glad!" cried out Miss Mina--for they all liked their good-natured brother. "Arnold, perhaps you'll go and get married now!" "Perhaps I may," he answered. Mrs. Knox dropped her book in the sudden fright. If Arnold married, he might want his house--and turn her out of it! He read the fear in her face. "We may make some arrangement," said he quietly. "You shall still occupy it and pay me a small nominal rent--five pounds a-year, say--which I shall probably return in toys for the children." The thought of his marriage had always lain upon her with a dread. "Who is the lady?" she asked. "The lady? Oh, I can't tell you, I'm sure. I have not asked any one yet." "Is that all!" "Quite all--at present."