"
"Oh, Douglas," exclaimed Paulina, "how can you speak so carelessly of a
subject so vital to me? I implore you to consult a physician
immediately."
"I assure you, my dearest, it is not necessary. There is nothing really
the matter."
"Douglas, I beg and entreat you to see a physician directly. I entreat
it as a favour to me."
"My dear Paulina, I am ready to do anything you wish."
"You will promise me, then, to see a doctor you can trust, without an
hour's unnecessary delay?"
"I promise, with all my heart," replied Douglas. "Ah, Paulina, what
happiness to think that my life is of some slight value to her I love
so fondly!"
No more was said upon the subject; but during dinner, and throughout
the evening, Paulina's eyes fixed themselves every now and then with an
anxious, scrutinizing gaze upon her lover's face.
When he had left her, she mentioned her fears to her _confidante_ and
shadow, Miss Brewer.
"Do you not see a change in Mr. Dale?" she asked.
"A change! What kind of change?"
"Do you not perceive an alteration in his appearance? In plainer words,
do you not think him looking very ill?"
Miss Brewer, generally so impassive, started, and looked at her
patroness with a gaze in which alarm was plainly visible.
She had hazarded so much in order to bring about a marriage between
Douglas and her patroness; and what if mortality's dread enemy, Death,
should forbid the banns?
"Ill!" she exclaimed; "do you think Mr.
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