The first tidings of the _yellow fever_ was heard by her with
unspeakable perturbation. Wallace was interrogated, by letter,
respecting its truth. For a time, he treated it as a vague report. At
length, a confession was extorted from him that there existed a
pestilential disease in the city; but he added that it was hitherto
confined to one quarter, distant from the place of his abode.

The most pathetic entreaties were urged by her that he would withdraw
into the country. He declared his resolution to comply when the street
in which he lived should become infected and his stay should be attended
with real danger. He stated how much his interests depended upon the
favour of his present employer, who had used the most powerful arguments
to detain him, but declared that, when his situation should become, in
the least degree, perilous, he would slight every consideration of
gratitude and interest, and fly to _Malverton_. Meanwhile, he promised
to communicate tidings of his safety by every opportunity.

Belding, Mr. Hadwin's next neighbour, though not uninfected by the
general panic, persisted to visit the city daily with his _market-cart_.
He set out by sunrise, and usually returned by noon. By him a letter was
punctually received by Susan. As the hour of Belding's return
approached, her impatience and anxiety increased. The daily epistle was
received and read, in a transport of eagerness. For a while her emotion
subsided, but returned with augmented vehemence at noon on the ensuing
day.

These agitations were too vehement for a feeble constitution like hers.
She renewed her supplications to Wallace to quit the city. He repeated
his assertions of being, hitherto, secure, and his promise of coming
when the danger should be imminent. When Belding returned, and, instead