I must find a home either here in the village or at Agworth.' He looked at her with compassion, with remorse.
'And you, my boy ?' asked his mother, raising her eyes gently.
'I?
Oh, the selfish never come to harm, be sure! Only the gentle and helpless have to suffer; that is the plan of the world's ruling.' 'The world is not ruled by one who thinks our thoughts, Hubert.' He had it on his lips to make a rejoinder, but checked the impulse.
'Say good-night to me,' his mother continued.

'You must go and rest.

If you still feel unwell in the morning, a messenger shall go to Belwick.
You are very, very pale.' Hubert held his hand to her and bent his head.

Mrs.Eldon offered her cheek; he kissed it and went from the room.
At seven o'clock on the following morning a bell summoned a servant to Hubert's bedroom.

Though it was daylight, a lamp burned near the bed; Hubert lay against pillows heaped high.
'Let someone go at once for Dr.Manns,' he said, appearing to speak with difficulty.