It is hard for me to remain longer away, when I would fain fly to the bedside of Mr.
Preston, but I feel that it is best.

Say to him, with my love, that he may expect me next week.

Accept my thanks for your attention to him.

I shall never forget it; and believe me to be, my dear doctor, your obliged "Lucinda Preston." Dr.Townley threw down this letter with deep disgust.
"Was ever any woman more disgustingly selfish ?" he exclaimed.

"Her husband might have died, so far as she was concerned." Of course, he had to show this letter to Colonel Preston.
The latter read it, with grave face, and the doctor thought he heard a sigh.
"My wife is very prudent," he said, with a touch of bitterness in his voice.
"She will be here next week," said the doctor, having nothing else to answer.
"I think she will run no risk then," said the sick man, cynically.
But Mrs.Preston did not return in a week.