"What the DOOSE is the matter ?" was his first exclamation, and, after half-an-hour's cogitation, only had arrived at the same point, "What the DOOSE is the matter ?" Then it flashed across him, what did she mean by "ask Lee ?" Had she any meaning in it, or was it nonsense?
There was an easy solution for it; namely, TO ask Lee.

And so arising he went across the yard to the kitchen.
Lee was bending low over the fire, smoking.

"William," said Tom, "I want to see you in the parlour." "I was thinking of coming across myself," said Lee; "In fact I should have come when I had finished my pipe." "Bring your pipe across, then," said Tom.

"Girl, take in some hot water and tumblers." "Now, Lee," said Tom, as soon as Lee had gone through the ceremony of "Well, here's my respex, sir," "Now Lee, you have heard how ill the mistress is." "I have indeed, sir," said he; "and very sorry I am, as I am partly the cause of it." "All that simplifies matters, Will, considerably," said Tom.

"I must tell you that when I asked her what put her in that state, she said, 'ask Lee.'" "Shows her sense, sir.