"I will answer your questions backwards.
Yes, to be quite frank with you, as the head of your family for the present, she is seriously ill.

She has had a stroke of paralysis, and at first I thought I must send to your father; but I was very unwilling to worry him, and I waited a little to see how things went.

I am thankful to say she has rallied a little, and if she goes on improving, even though it is but slightly, I am hoping he may be spared the bad news until we can send him better news with it.

I don't want to worry him if I can help it." "Oh no," said Kitty earnestly, "and he would worry dreadfully at being so far away." She felt very kindly towards the doctor for his thoughtfulness for her father.
"You shall see your aunt later.

She has asked for you many times, but we hardly knew whether she was conscious or not when she spoke.
She must be kept very quiet though, and free from all anxiety.