The autumn was a time of physical suffering for Adela. Formerly she
had sought to escape her mother's attentions, now she accepted them
with thankfulness. Mrs. Waltham had grave fears for her daughter;
doctors suspected some organic disease, one summoned from London
going so far as to hint at a weakness of the chest. Early in
November it was decided to go south for the winter, and Exmouth was
chosen, chiefly because Mrs. Westlake was spending a month there.
Mr. Westlake, whose interest in Adela had grown with each visit he
paid to the Manor, himself suggested the plan. Mrs. Waltham and
Adela left Wanley together; Mutimer promised visits as often as be
could manage to get away. Since Rodman's departure Richard found
himself overwhelmed with work. None the less he resolutely pursued
the idea of canvassing Belwick at the coming general election.
Opposition, from whomsoever it came, aggravated him. He was more
than ever troubled about the prospects of New Wanley; there even
loomed before his mind a possible abandonment of the undertaking. He
had never contemplated the sacrifice of his fortune, and though
anything of that kind was still very far off, it was daily more
difficult for him to face with equanimity even moderate losses.
Money had fostered ambition, and ambition full grown had more need
than ever of its nurse.
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