The doctor growled an impatient response, but so muttered and
mumbled the words that the nurse could not make them out. Mr. Ridley
was in the room, standing with folded arms a little way from the
bed, stern and haggard, with wild, congested eyes and closely shut
mouth, a picture of anguish, fear and remorse.

The two physicians remained with Mrs. Ridley for over twenty minutes
before deciding on their line of treatment. A prescription was then
made, and careful instructions given to the nurse.

"I will call again in the course of two or three hours," said Dr.
Hillhouse, on going away. "Should any thing unfavorable occur, send
to the office immediately."

"Doctor!" Mr. Ridley laid his hand on the arm of Dr. Hillhouse.
"What of my wife?" There was a frightened look in his pale, agitated
face. His voice shook.

"She is in danger," replied the doctor.

"But you know what to do? You can control the disease? You have had
such cases before?"

"I will do my best," answered the doctor, trying to move on; but Mr.
Ridley clutched his arm tightly and held him fast:

"Is it--is it--puer-p-p--" His voice shook so that he could not
articulate the word that was on his tongue.