all the pleasant arrangements my thoughtful wife had ready for my
solace and delight.

It was on my lip to inquire if any one had called since I went out,
but the ringing of the tea-bell sent my thought in a new direction;
when, with my second self leaning on an arm, and my little Aggy
holding tightly by my hand, I moved on to the dining-room, all the
disagreeable things of the day forgotten.

"Has any one been here?" I asked, as I handed my cup for a third
replenishing. Professional habit was too strong--the query would
intrude itself.

"Mrs. Wallingford called to see you."

"Ah! Is anybody sick?"

"I believe so--but she evaded my inquiry, and said that she wished
to speak a word with the Doctor."

"She don't want me to call over to-night, I hope. Did she leave any
word?"

"No. She looked troubled in her mind, I thought."

"No other call?"

"Yes. Mary Jones sent word that something was the matter with the
baby. It cried nearly all last night, her little boy said, and
to-day has fever, and lies in a kind of stupor."