It was too evidently useless.

The old dying lion felt that the lion's power had already passed from him, and that he was helpless in the hands of the young cub who was so soon to inherit the wealth of the forest.
But Dr Thorne was more kind to him.

He had something yet to say as to his worldly hopes and worldly cares; and his old friend did not turn a deaf ear to him.
It was during the night that Sir Roger was most anxious to talk, and most capable of talking.

He would lie through the day in a state half-comatose; but towards evening he would rouse himself, and by midnight he would be full of fitful energy.

One night, as he lay wakeful and full of thought, he thus poured forth his whole heart to Dr Thorne.
"Thorne," said he, "I told you about my will, you know." "Yes," said the other; "and I have blamed myself greatly that I have not again urged you to alter it.