Shortly after her departure Ralph Touchett was announced, and as
soon as he came in Isabel saw he had something on his mind. He very
soon took his cousin into his confidence. He had received from his
mother a telegram to the effect that his father had had a sharp attack
of his old malady, that she was much alarmed and that she begged he
would instantly return to Gardencourt. On this occasion at least
Mrs. Touchett's devotion to the electric wire was not open to
criticism.
"I've judged it best to see the great doctor, Sir Matthew Hope,
first," Ralph said; "by great good luck he's in town. He's to see me
at half-past twelve, and I shall make sure of his coming down to
Gardencourt- which he will do the more readily as he has already
seen my father several times, both there and in London. There's an
express at two-forty-five, which I shall take; and you'll come back
with me or remain here a few days longer, exactly as you prefer."
"I shall certainly go with you," Isabel returned. "I don't suppose I
can be of any use to my uncle, but if he's ill I shall like to be near
him."
"I think you're fond of him," said Ralph with a certain shy pleasure
in his face.
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