But Mrs.Ashton's maid, Matilda, had already taken it." "Did Miss Ashton give you these particulars ?" asked Maude, toying with a late rose that lay beside her plate.
"Yes.

I should feel inclined to prosecute the woman, were I Dr.Ashton, for having been so wickedly inconsiderate.

But I hope Matilda is better, and that the alarm will end with her.

It is four days since I had Anne's letter." "Then, Lord Hartledon, I can tell you the alarm's worse, and another has taken it, and the parish is up in arms," said the countess-dowager, tartly.

"It has proved to be fever of a most malignant type, and not a soul but Hillary the surgeon goes near the Rectory, You must not venture within half-a-mile of it.