"What is the matter at the Rectory ?" "Fever has broken out." "Is that all!" he exclaimed, some amusement on his face.

"I thought it must have taken fire." "A fever's worse than a fire." "Do you think so ?" "_Think so!_" echoed the dowager.

"You can run away from a fire; but a fever may take you before you are aware of it.

Every soul in the Rectory may die; it may spread to the parish; it may spread here.

I have kept tar burning outside the house the last two days." "You are not serious, Lady Kirton!" "I am serious.