He had been walking mechanically about the Close. Turning out of it at last, he went back to Dr Fletcher's house, and looked up at a light burning in an upper window, little thinking, however, that it was a watch by the dead, and not by the living, that it marked; for in spite of what Dr Fletcher had told him, the tidings he heard in the early morning fell like an unexpected blow. He would have gone away without a word, but that Dr Fletcher came out at the moment. "There was never any rally or return to consciousness," he said, leading the way into the dining-room, where his breakfast was spread, "and although this naturally aggravates the shock to his daughters, they have been spared a good deal that must have been very painful, poor things! My wife is with them. Will you have a cup of coffee with me?" "He was always supposed to have such a good constitution," said Anthony, looking stunned. "Perhaps not so good as it seemed. He led a regular life, temperate and healthy,--I only wish there were more like him,--and he had never been tried by any severe illness. As to this, a more tenacious vitality might only have prolonged the suffering. I think you said you had written to the relations? I would have telegraphed this morning, but Miss Chester was anxious that her aunt should be spared the shock." "My letters will bring them as soon as possible," Anthony said. "There is a sister of the Squire's, a widow, an invalid, and her step-son is quartered at Colchester. Besides them there are only cousins. Mrs Orde will start at once--But, good heavens," he went on, breaking down, and burying his face in his hands, "it is so awfully sudden! What will they do?" Dr Fletcher made no immediate reply. He was a kind-hearted man, but his sympathies were chiefly bounded by his profession, and it was easier for him to be energetic in behalf of a suffering body, than to express anything which touched more internal springs. He was wondering whether Anthony would have the courage to face a woman's grief, and meditating on the possibility of giving up his own morning's work, when he said aloud, quietly,-- "Miss Chester will probably return to Hardlands to-day. Is there any one who can be with her and her sister?" "My mother is their oldest friend," Anthony said, without looking up, and pushing his plate from him with a slight nervous movement. The doctor waited for some assurance to follow this assertion, but Anthony could not give it, for his mind quickly ran over the situation, and foresaw that his mother's kindness would not suffice to guide her past the little embarrassments which awaken so great throbs of pain at such a time. Finding he was silent, Dr Fletcher went on,-- "Would you wish me to inquire whether Miss Chester is ready to see you? That is, unless I can persuade you to take a little more food?"