from Mr. Rothsay, and to express the hope that I should soon be
restored to health. A few days later, Mrs. Rymer's politeness
carried her to the length of taking the journey to London to make
inquiries at my door. I did not see her, of course. She left word
that she would have the honor of calling again.

The second week followed. I had by that time perfectly recovered
from my attack of bronchitis--and yet I was too ill to leave the
house.

The doctor himself seemed to be at a loss to understand the
symptoms that now presented themselves. A vile sensation of
nausea tried my endurance, and an incomprehensible prostration of
strength depressed my spirits. I felt such a strange reluctance
to exert myself that I actually left it to Mrs. Mozeen to write
to my uncle in my name, and say that I was not yet well enough to
visit him. My medical adviser tried various methods of treatment;
my housekeeper administered the prescribed medicines with
unremitting care; but nothing came of it. A physician of great
authority was called into consultation. Being completely puzzled,
he retreated to the last refuge of bewildered doctors. I asked
him what was the matter with me. And he answered: "Suppressed
gout."

FIFTH EPOCH.

MIDWAY in the third week, my uncle wrote to me as follows:


"I have been obliged to request your friend Rothsay to bring his