Rowland sat with Mrs.Hudson, who evidently had a word which she deemed of some value for his private ear.
She followed Roderick with intensely earnest eyes.
"I wish to tell you, sir," she said, "how very grateful--how very thankful--what a happy mother I am! I feel as if I owed it all to you, sir.

To find my poor boy so handsome, so prosperous, so elegant, so famous--and ever to have doubted of you! What must you think of me?
You 're our guardian angel, sir.

I often say so to Mary." Rowland wore, in response to this speech, a rather haggard brow.

He could only murmur that he was glad she found Roderick looking well.
He had of course promptly asked himself whether the best discretion dictated that he should give her a word of warning--just turn the handle of the door through which, later, disappointment might enter.

He had determined to say nothing, but simply to wait in silence for Roderick to find effective inspiration in those confidently expectant eyes.