The last inducement was, of course, the one he meant to make bear the weight of his sudden anxiety, and after much deliberation, or what he thought was deliberation, he decided that the first thing to be done was to interest his cousin in his plans and try to get her help.
But as it happened, Lady Dighton was just at that moment away from home.
She and Sir John were staying at a house which, though nearer to Hunsdon than to their own home, was a considerable distance for morning visitors, even in the country.

Still Maurice, who had some acquaintance with the family, thought he might ride over and see her there, and take his chance of being able to get an opportunity of explaining the service he wanted her to do him.

However, a slight increase of illness in Mr.
Beresford prevented him from getting away from home, and he was obliged to wait with what patience he could for her next visit to Hunsdon.
Mr.Beresford's health appeared to return to its usual condition, and grateful for the comfort Maurice's presence had been to him during his greater suffering, he seemed to be every day more satisfied with and attached to his heir.

The disadvantage of this was that he required more and more of Maurice's company, and seemed to dislike sparing him a moment except while he slept.

This was not promising for the success of any scheme of absence, but, on the other hand, there was so much of reason and consideration for his grandson, mixed with the invalid's exactions, that it seemed not hopeless to try to obtain his consent.
After an interval of more than a week, Lady Dighton reappeared at Hunsdon, and Maurice's opportunity arrived.