Why had he always been so just and kind and patient with her?
Why had he never scolded her and bullied her and teased her?
Why had he let her go away, leaving him lonely in his empty, voiceless house?
Why had he never made any claim upon her?
The idea came to her as an inspiration.

At least, it would ease her conscience.

"Why don't you let Arthur live here," she said, "instead of going back to his lodgings?
It would be company for you." He did not answer for some time.

She had begun to wonder if he had heard.
"What do you think of him ?" he said, without looking at her.
"Oh, he's quite a nice lad," she answered.
It was some while again before he spoke.

"He will be the last of the Allways," he said.