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Shergold had been led by her relatives to believe that some day the poor fellow would have his uncle's money, and her wiles ultimately overcame Shergold's resistance. He, now studying law at the doctor's expense, found himself once more abandoned, and reduced to get his living as a solicitor's clerk.
Only after a long sojourn abroad, at his kinsman's expense, did he begin to recover health. He came back and entered himself as a student at Guy's, greatly to Dr. Shergold's satisfaction. His fees were paid and a small sum was allowed him to live upon a very small sum.
In the evening, from nine to ten, he went upon the lake with Harvey, but could not talk; his blue eyes were sunk in a restless melancholy, his brows were furrowed, he kept making short, nervous movements, as though in silent remonstrance with himself. And when the next morning came, and Harvey Munden rang the bell for his coffee, a waiter brought him a note addressed in Shergold's hand.
Come, let us get out of this squalid inferno; how I hate it! Have you had dinner? I don't want any. Let us go to your rooms, shall we? There'll be a hansom passing the bridge. They walked on in silence, and when they had found a cab they drove westward, talking only of Dr. Shergold's affairs.
'Thanks, said Munden, 'I can find that out for myself. He thrust the book into his coat-pocket. 'I came to ask you if you are aware of your uncle's condition. 'Of course I am. 'When did you see him last? 'See him? Shergold's eyes wandered vaguely. 'Oh, to talk with him, about a month ago. 'Did you part friendly? 'On excellent terms. And last night I went to ask after him.
His uncle had bidden him good-bye on a postcard, whereon was illegibly scribbled something about 'damned fools. He bore the burden for three more years, then his wife died. One night, after screaming herself speechless in fury at Shergold's refusal to go with her to a music-hall, she had a fit on the stairs, and in falling received fatal injuries. The man was free, but terribly shattered.
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