'Susan, how is your sister's child?'

I looked straight into her. There was no sternness or smartness in my
expression, but the gaze was mathematical. I was measuring her candor,
and analyzing her mind.

She colored up and said, 'he's no better, sir; and they've given him up:
but the doctor says good nursing will do wonders.'

'I think so, too. Go back to your sister and stay till he is better; I
will supply your place.'

This puzzled her, but she could say nothing. I meant 'go' and she
went.--There was no delay--I saw her walk by the window almost at once,
and overheard the whisper, 'who next?'

I now rang the bell, and Dinah came to the door, saying, before she
knocked, the waiter is out, sir, so I answered your ring.

'Do you know where Thomas lives?'

'Yes sir.'

'Then tell him I want him now--'

'Yes sir,' she disappeared.

Oh the benefit of that _slam_.