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Rh distinctly proved the patient in great danger, though it spoke of a promising turn being expected. The Countess had begun to find herself much puzzled how to proceed when this denouément took place; for she well knew that, however angry Lord Rotheles might be with his sister, that her danger and suffering would alike banish anger and restore affection. "Situated as we are," said Lord Rotheles, "with our venerable guest, I think, my dear Meersbrook, it will be better that not a single word be said of this trouble in the hearing of Sir Edward, but, when you have set out, Georgiana and I will set out also; we shall have received a letter most probably in the mean time, which may be a great comfort. You must not cry thus, my good girl, but try to sleep, that you may be able to travel." The plan Lord Rotheles suggested was evidently good, and his advice was equally so; but that which he gave he could not take, for he pressed a sleepless pillow. As Georgiana causelessly blamed herself for being happy when her mamma was suffering, so did he (with as little cause) condemn himself for allowing one unkind word to have escaped him towards his widowed sister. It was his only consolation that Christmas was not yet come, that his threatened reduction of income had not taken place, that it was still in his power to render her mind easy, and he had full reliance on the unceasing attentions of her daughters:—"but would they procure the best medical help?