that p’r’aps you’ll take to heart though you mustn’t let it grieve you.  Capper is coming here next month to perform an operation on me.  It may be successful, and on the other hand—­it may not.  The uncertainty worries me some.  I’m trying to leave my affairs in good order, but—­there are some things beyond my scope that I’d like unspeakably to see settled before I take my chances.  You can understand that?”

Dot’s hand, warm, throbbing with life, slipped impulsively into his.  “Dear Lucas, of course—­of course I understand.”

“Thanks!  That’s real nice of you.  I always knew you were a woman of sense.  I wonder if you can guess what it is I’ve set my heart on, eh, Dot?”

“Tell me,” murmured Dot.

His eyes still rested upon her, but they seemed to be looking at something beyond.  “P’r’aps I’m over fond of regulating other folks’ affairs,” he said.  “It’s a habit that easily grows on the head of a family.  But I’ve a sort of fancy for seeing you and Bertie married before I go out.  If you tell me it’s quite impossible I won’t say any more.  But if you could see your way to it—­well, it would be a real kindness, and I needn’t say any more than that.”

The weary, rather droning voice ceased to speak.  The eyelids drooped more heavily.  It seemed to Dot that a grey shadow lay upon the worn face.  He looked so unutterably tired, so ready for the long, long sleep.

She sat quite still beside him, turning the matter in her mind.

After a little he went on speaking, with eyes half-closed.  “It would hit him hard if I went under, but he wouldn’t feel so badly if you were there.  The mother too—­she wants someone to lean on.  There’s Lady Carfax, but she has her own burden.  And there’d be a lot for Bertie to see to, Nap being away.  Besides—­”

“Oh, Luke,” Dot broke in, her eyes full of tears, “I—­I can’t imagine this place without you.”

“No?  Well, you mustn’t let it distress you any.  We’ve all got to go, sooner or later.  There isn’t anything in that.  The main thing is to get it over, when it comes, with as little fuss as possible.  Life isn’t long enough for grieving.  It’s just a mortal waste of time.  And what is Death anyway?” He raised his eyes with what seemed an effort.  “You won’t blame me,” he said, “for wanting to close up the ranks a bit before I go.  Of course I may live as long as any of you.  God knows I shall do my best.  I want to pull through—­for several reasons.  But if I’ve got to go, I’d like to feel I’ve left things as ship-shape as possible.  Bertie will tell you what provision I desire to make for you.  P’r’aps you and he will talk it over, and if you’re willing I’ll see the padre about it.  But I kind of felt the first word ought to be with you.  Bertie didn’t like to speak because he’d promised to wait.  You’ll find he’s a man of his word.  That’s why I’ve butted in.  Say, child, I didn’t mean to make you cry.  That was clumsy of me.”