'
Having to take a message into the senior partner's room, Clarence
had found the old man crouched over the table, writhing in the
unmistakable grip of the deadly enemy. No one else was available;
Clarence had to collect himself, send for the doctor, and manage the
conveyance of the patient to his rooms, which fortunately adjoined
the office; for, through all his influx of wealth, Mr. Frith had
retained the habits and expenditure of his early struggling days.
His old housekeeper and her drudge showed themselves terrified out
of their senses, and as incapable as unwilling. Naval experience,
and waiting on me, had taught Clarence helpfulness and handiness;
and though this was the very thing that had appalled his
imagination, he seemed, as he said afterwards, 'to have got beyond
his fright' to the use of his commonsense. And when at last the
doctor came, and talked of finding a nurse, if possible, for they
were scarce articles, the sufferer only entreated between his
paroxysms, 'Stay, Winslow! Is Winslow there? Don't go! Don't
leave me!'
No nurse was to be found, but to Clarence's amazement Gooch arrived.
He had sent by the office boy to explain his absence; and before
night the faithful woman descended on him, intending, as in her old
days of authority, simply to put Master Clarry out of harm's way,
and take the charge upon herself.
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