“Give me a moment longer. I’m not through yet. That’s right, now listen. I see the truth of what you say, and I came down this morning to make a proposition to your mother — not for your sake only — don’t be afraid, for my own as well; but I didn’t make it because I hadn’t time. She told me what you were doing, and I hurried off to stop you. Don’t speak yet, let me finish. I feel I have the right, because I know — I know I was sent here just now for a purpose — guided to come here.” He paused to allow his words to have their full weight. Whether she would perceive his meaning remained to be seen.

“I understand.” She spoke quietly. “Doctor Hoyle sent you to be helped like he was — and you have been right kind to more than us.