It would be just as well, therefore, to tell Martha of Bart's death at once, and not let her hear it, as she was sure to do, from someone on the street.

Then again, he had kept few secrets from her where Jane was concerned; she had helped him many times before, and her advice was always good.

He knew that she was familiar with every detail of the captain's story, but he did not propose to discuss Lucy's share in it with the old nurse.

That he would reserve for Jane's ears alone.
"Bring your candle into the sitting-room, Martha; I have something to tell you," he said gravely, loosening the cape of his overcoat and laying his hat on the hall table.
The nurse followed.

The measured tones of the doctor's voice, so unlike his cheery greetings, especially to her, unnerved her.