the annoyance and alarm caused by Ferrari's mysterious disappearance.
It had been impossible to conceal the circumstance, as his lordship
rang repeatedly for the courier; insisting that the man should
relieve Lady Montbarry and the Baron by taking their places during
the night at his bedside.

'On the 15th (the day on which the old woman first came
to do the housework), his lordship complained of sore throat,
and of a feeling of oppression on the chest. On this day,
and again on the 16th, her ladyship and the Baron entreated him
to see a doctor. He still refused. "I don't want strange faces
about me; my cold will run its course, in spite of the doctor,"--
that was his answer. On the 17th he was so much worse that it
was decided to send for medical help whether he liked it or not.
Baron Rivar, after inquiry at the consul's, secured the services
of Doctor Bruno, well known as an eminent physician in Venice;
with the additional recommendation of having resided in England,
and having made himself acquainted with English forms of
medical practice.



'Thus far our account of his lordship's illness has been derived
from statements made by Lady Montbarry. The narrative will now be
most fitly continued in the language of the doctor's own report,
herewith subjoined.

'"My medical diary informs me that I first saw the English Lord Montbarry,
on November 17. He was suffering from a sharp attack of bronchitis.
Some precious time had been lost, through his obstinate objection