Page:The Rejuvenation Of Miss Semaphore.pdf/187

 deferential since the new boarder's wife had spoken so abruptly of her brother.

Whatever the cause of the younger Miss Semaphore's illness, there was no doubt that it had alarmingly increased since Mrs. Dumaresq injudiciously questioned her. Fever, extreme excitability, restlessness, and a tendency to delirium, all manifested themselves, and it was only when a composing draught had been administered, that the patient sank into a troubled slumber. As she sat watching her, the medical lady heard a slight knock at the door, and opened it cautiously.

It was Mary the maid.

"Please 'm," she said, "there's a gentleman in the 'all wanting to see Miss Prudence Semaphore."

"What does he want with her?" asked the medical woman surprised. "Did you tell him she was ill?"

"Please 'm, I don't know. I did tell him she was ill, but 'e said 'e should see 'er whether or no."

"I shall go down to him," said the medical woman with dignity, and she went.

"My good sir," she began, "Miss Semaphore is extremely ill, and must on