ably seconded by Susan Dodd, Milly's devoted maid.

Between us we two performed all the duties of the sick-room. The
medicines, wine, soups, jellies, and all things required for the
invalid were kept in the dressing-room, which communicated with the
bedroom by one door, and had another door opening on to the
corridor.

The sick-room, which was very large and airy, was by this means kept
free from all litter; and Susan and I took pleasure in making it
look bright and fresh. I used to fetch a bouquet from the garden
every morning for the little table by the bed. At the very
commencement of Milly's illness I had missed Peter, Mrs. Thatcher's
grandson. I asked one of the men what had become of him, and was
told that he had taken the fever and was lying ill at his
grandmother's cottage. I mentioned this to Mrs. Darrell, and asked
her permission to send him some wine and other little comforts, to
which she assented.

The Manchester physician came a second time after a week's interval,
and on this occasion he was not so positive in his opinion as to the
case. He did not consider that there was peril as yet, he said; but
the patient was weaker, and he was by no means satisfied. He
prescribed a change of medicine, repeated his injunctions about care
and quiet; and so departed, after requesting Mr. Hale to telegraph
for him in the event of any change for the worse.

I was a good deal depressed by his manner this time, and went back
to my dear girl's room with a heavier heart than I had known since
her illness began.