One day about this time Reuben Gray called to see Hannah. Reuben was one

of the most discreet of lovers, never venturing to visit his beloved

more than once in each month.

"Look at Nora!" said Hannah, in a heart-broken tone, as she pointed to

her sister, who was sitting at her wheel, not spinning, but gazing from

the window down the narrow footpath, and apparently lost in mournful

reverie.

"I'll go and fetch a medical man," said Reuben, and he left the hut for

that purpose.

But distances from house to house in that sparsely settled neighborhood

were great, and doctors were few and could not be had the moment they

were called for. So it was not until the next day that Doctor Potts, the

round-bodied little medical attendant of the neighborhood, made his

appearance at the hut.

He was welcomed by Hannah, who introduced him to her sister.

Nora received his visit with a great deal of nervous irritability,

declaring that nothing at all ailed her, only that she was tired.

"Tired," repeated the doctor, as he felt her pulse and watched her

countenance. "Yes, tired of living! a serious fatigue this, Hannah. Her

malady is more on the mind than the body! You must try to rouse her,

take her into company, keep her amused. If you were able to travel, I

should recommend change of scene; but of course that is out of the

question. However, give her this, according to the directions. I will

call in again to see her in a few days." And so saying, the doctor left

a bottle of medicine and took his departure.

That day the doctor had to make a professional visit of inspection to

the negro quarters at Brudenell Hall; so he mounted his fat little white

cob and trotted down the hill in the direction of the valley.

When he arrived at Brudenell Hall he was met by Mrs. Brudenell, who said

to him: "Dr. Potts, I wish before you leave, you would see my son. I am

seriously anxious about his health. He objected to my sending for you;

but now that you are here on a visit to the quarters, perhaps his

objections may give way."

"Very well, madam; but since he does not wish to be attended, perhaps he

had better not know that my visit is to him; I will just make you a call

as usual."

"Join us at lunch, doctor, and you can observe him at your leisure."

"Thank you, madam. What seems the matter with Mr. Brudenell?"




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