But he is so reticent that I have feared to try further, to get his confidence.' 'Why, Bunce is the aggressive atheist, isn't he ?' said Mr.Newthorpe.
Mrs.Ormonde smiled and nodded.
'I fear he is a man of misfortunes,' she said.

'My friend at the hospital tells me that his wife was small comfort to him whilst she lived.

She left him three young children to look after, and the eldest of them--she is about nine--is always ill.

There seems to be no one to tend them whilst their father is at work.' 'Who will bring the child here ?' Egremont asked.
'She came by herself last time.

But I hear she is still very weak; perhaps someone will have to be sent from the hospital.' During dinner, the library was discussed.