Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

16. CHAPTER XVI: THE HEIR'S SECOND VISIT TO BELTON (continued)

'You will be sorry to hear that papa is too ill to come downstairs.'

'Is he, indeed? I am truly sorry. I had beard he was ill; but did not know he was so ill as that.'

'Perhaps he fancies himself weaker than he is.'

'We must try and cure him of that. I can see him, I hope?'

'Oh dear, yes. He is most anxious for you to go to him. As soon as ever you can come upstairs I will take you.' He had already stripped himself of his wrappings, and declaring himself ready, at once followed Clara to the squire's room.

'I'm sorry, sir, to find you in this way,' he said.

'I'm very poorly, Will very,' said the squire, putting out his hand as though he were barely able to lift it above his knee. Now it certainly was the fact that half an hour before he had been walking across the passage.

'We must see if we can't soon make you better among us,' said Will.

The squire shook his head with a slow, melancholy movement, not raising his eyes from the ground. 'I don't think you'll ever see me much better, Will,' he said. And yet half an hour since he had been talking of being down in the dining-room on the next day. 'I shan't trouble you much longer,' said the squire. 'You'll soon have it all without paying rent for it.'

This was very unpleasant, and almost frustrated Belton's attempts to be cheery. But he persevered nevertheless. 'It'll be a long time yet before that day comes, sir.'

'Ah; that's easily said. But never mind. Why should I want to remain when I shall have once seen her properly settled. I've nothing to live for except that she may have a home.'