Agitation or distress of mind at such a moment would be the worst thing in the world for him." "But I can't let Peter sail without a word to his people.

And his mother.

Good God, Blundell! Is Lady Mary to lose husband and son in one day ?" "Lady Mary," said the doctor, bitterly, "is to be treated, as usual, like a child, and told nothing of her husband's danger till it's over.
As for Peter--well, devoted mother as she is, she must be pretty well accustomed by this time to the captious indifference of her spoilt boy.

She won't be surprised, though she may be hurt, that he should coolly propose to set off without bidding her good-bye." "Couldn't we tell her in confidence about Peter ?" said the canon, struck with a brilliant idea.
"Certainly not; she would fly to him at once, and leave Sir Timothy alone in his extremity." "Couldn't we tell her in confidence about Sir Timothy ?" "I have allowed Sir Timothy to understand that neither you nor I will betray his secret." "I'm no hand at keeping a secret," said the canon, unhappily.
"Nonsense, canon, nonsense," said Dr.Blundell, laying a friendly hand on his shoulder.

"No man in your profession, or in mine, ought to be able to say that.