Pine gazed heavily at the ground and coughed violently.

Miss Greeby knew that cough, and a medical friend of hers had told her several times that Sir Hubert was a very consumptive individual.

He certainly looked ill, and apparently had not long to live.

And if he died, Lady Agnes, inheriting his wealth, would be more desirable as a wife than ever.

And Miss Greeby, guessing whose wife she would be, swore inwardly that the present husband should look so delicate.