Out of her sphere - University Library

MR. THORNTON SPEAKS AT LAST. 211
truth. As far as might be, he would
screen his wife's memory to the last.
There was a trial coming on for him that
very day. It had occurred to Temple
Masters that possibly Mr. Thornton's
medical man might allow him that access
to his patient, which Clare had refused ;
and, accordingly, as soon as he had break-
fasted, he had hurried to the smart new
villa occupied by that gentleman. It held
a prominent place amongst the new houses,
recently erected for the accommodation of
visitors. Mr. Harben was a rising man,
fast pushing his way. He was still a
bachelor, and the breakfast table, which he
had not yet left—having been up late the
preceding night—was not presided over by
a lady ; at which, Temple Masters felicitated
himself when ushered into the room where
the doctor sat. He owed this distinction
to his having sent in his card, instead of
being content to wait with the different
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