He missed her sorely.

At that very moment, he was in great practical need of her help, her guidance.
Whereas it was _he_--worse luck!--who must be the stumbling and unwelcomed guide of Rachel's child! How, in the name of mystery, had the child grown up so different from the mother?
Well, impatience wouldn't help him--he must set his mind to it.

That scoundrel, Jim Donald!.