The dreadful discovery that the child's life (by the doctor's confession) was in danger had completely overwhelmed him: he had never even lifted his head when his wife opened the door.

Randal and Mrs.Presty were talking together.
The old lady's insatiable curiosity was eager for news from London: she wanted to know how Randal had amused himself when he was not attending to business.
He was grieving for Kitty; and he was looking sadly at his brother.
"I don't remember," he answered, absently.

Other women might have discovered that they had chosen their time badly.

Mrs.Presty, with the best possible intentions, remonstrated.
"Really, Randal, you must rouse yourself.

Surely you can tell us something.