"His mill doesn't want grist; there's the worst of it," said Tamlyn. "The man was not badly off when he came here: but since then his only brother must go and die, and Shuttleworth has come into all his money. A thousand a-year, if it's a penny."
"Then, I certainly don't wonder at his wanting to give up the practice," returned the doctor, with a smile.
"That's not all," grumbled old Tamlyn. "He wants to take away Bessy."
"The two have determined to make themselves into one, I believe. Bessy only hesitated because of leaving poor Bertie. That impediment will not be in her way long."
He sighed as he spoke. Dr. Knox did not yet see what he was wanted for: and asked again.
"I've been leading up to it," said Mr. Tamlyn. "You must come back to me, Arnold."
"On the same terms as before?" inquired the doctor, after a pause.
"Nonsense. You'd say 'No,' off-hand, if I proposed _them_. In Shuttleworth's place."
"Of course, Mr. Tamlyn, I could not come--I would not come unless it were made worth my while. If it were, I should like it of all things."
"Yes, just so; that's what I mean. Don't you like your post in London?"
"I like it very well, indeed. And I have had no doubt that it will lead to something better. But, if I saw a fair prospect before me here, I should prefer to come back to Lefford."
"_That_ shall be made fair enough. Things have changed with me, Arnold: and I shouldn't wonder but you will some time, perhaps not very far distant, have all my practice in your own hands. I feel to be getting old: spirits and health are alike broken."
"Nay, not old yet, Mr. Tamlyn. You may wait a good twenty years for that."
"Well, well, we'll talk further at another interview. My mind's at rest now, and that's a great thing. If you had refused, Arnold, I should have sold my practice for an old song, and gone clean away: I never could have stood being associated with another stranger. You are going up home, I conclude. Will you come in this evening?"
"Very well," said Dr. Knox, rising. "Can I go up and see Bertie?"
"Not now; I'd not have him awakened for the world; and I assure you the turning of a straw seems to do it. You shall see him this evening: he is always awake and restless then."
Calling for his bag at the station, Dr. Knox went on to Rose Villa. They were at tea. The children rose up with a shout: his step-mother looked as though she could not believe her eyesight.