I bear no malice against the old man, though many sons in my position might consider themselves hardly used.

And now I may as well go upstairs and pay my respects.

Why is not your husband with you, by the bye ?" "He is not wanted here; and I do not even know that he is in London." "Humph! He seems rather a mysterious sort of person, this husband of yours." Marian took no notice of this remark, and the father and daughter went upstairs to the sick-room together.

The old silversmith received his son with obvious coolness, and was evidently displeased at seeing Marian and her father together.
Percival Nowell, however, on his part, appeared to be in an unusually affectionate and dutiful mood this evening.

He held his place by the bedside resolutely, and insisted on sharing Marian's watch that night.