Yet there was little need to wonder.

He was always at the mill when Doctor Sewell paid his visit, and he took simply and reliably whatever Mrs.Harlow and Jane confided to him.

But when he awoke in the misty daylight, the echo of the two words he had heard was still clear and positive in his mind; consequently he went as soon as possible to Dr.Sewell's office.
The Doctor met him as if he was an expected client.

"You are come at last, Hatton," he said.

"I have been expecting you for a long time." "Then you know what instruction I have come for ?" "I should say I do." "What is the matter with my wife's health ?" "I ought to send you to her for that information.