The women whispered to each other of his comforting ways when he came into their cottages.

"He was a cheerful man, poor soul; and thoughtful of us, too: he never came in and stared at meal-times; the rest of 'em help us, and scold us--all _he_ ever said was, better luck next time." So they stood and talked of him, and looked at his house and grounds and moved off clumsily by twos and threes, with the dim sense that the sight of his pleasant face would never comfort them again.

The dullest head among them knew, that night, that the hard ways of poverty would be all the harder to walk on, now he was gone.
A little later, news was brought to the bed-chamber door that old Mr.
Clare had come alone to the house, and was waiting in the hall below, to hear what the physician said.

Miss Garth was not able to go down to him herself: she sent a message.

He said to the servant, "I'll come and ask again, in two hours' time"-- and went out slowly.