'It's curious the notion she has got of not eating,' broke in the
minister. 'I held the broth myself, but she would have none of it.'

In the next room the flames of a large fire were sending reflections
over the polished surfaces of massive bedroom furniture. The wind blew
against this side of the house and rattled the windows, as if angry to
see the picture of luxury and warmth within. It was a handsome stately
room, and all that was in it dated back many a year. In a chintz
arm-chair by the fireside its mistress sat--a very old lady, but there
was still dignity in her pose. Her hair, perfectly white, was still
plentiful; her eye had still something of brightness, and there was upon
the aged features the cast of thought and the habitual look of
intelligence. Beside her upon a small table were such accompaniments of
age as daughter and nurse deemed suitable--the large print Bible, the
big spectacles and caudle cup. The lady sat looking about her with a
quick restless expression, like a prisoner alert to escape; she was tied
to her chair--not by cords--by the failure of muscular strength; but
perhaps she did not know that. She eyed her attendant with bright
furtive glances, as if the meek sombre woman who sat sewing beside her
were her jailer.

The party in the dining-room broke up their vain discussion, and came
for another visit of personal inspection.

'Mother, this is the doctor come to see you. Do you not remember the
doctor?'

The old lady looked at all four of them brightly enough. 'I haena the
pleasure of remembering who ye are, but perhaps it will return to me.'
There was restrained politeness in her manner.