It was after eleven o'clock when he got back to his office, where he found Mr.
Ridley waiting for him with a note from Doctor Ainsworth.
"Come for just a single moment," the note said.

"There are marked changes in her condition." "I cannot! It is impossible!" exclaimed Doctor Hillhouse, with an excitement of manner he could not repress.

Doctor Ainsworth can do all that it is in the power of medical skill to accomplish.

It will not help her for me to go again now, and another life is in my hands.

I am sorry, Mr.Ridley, but I cannot see your wife again until this afternoon.
"Oh, doctor, doctor, don't say that!" cried the poor, distressed husband, clasping his hands and looking at Doctor Hillhouse with a pale, imploring face.