Whether the conjuncture had arisen through any unscrupulous, ill-considered impulse of Charlson to help out of a strait the friend who was so kind as never to press him for what was due could not be told; there was nothing to prove it; and it was a question which could never be asked.

The triangular situation--himself--his wife--Lucy Savile--was the one clear thing.
From Barnet's actions we may infer that he supposed such and such a result, for a moment, but did not deliberate.

He withdrew his hazel eyes from the scene without, calmly turned, rang the bell for assistance, and vigorously exerted himself to learn if life still lingered in that motionless frame.

In a short time another surgeon was in attendance; and then Barnet's surmise proved to be true.

The slow life timidly heaved again; but much care and patience were needed to catch and retain it, and a considerable period elapsed before it could be said with certainty that Mrs.Barnet lived.