It seemed as if the day was to be rendered memorable for us. In the midst of the talk came a sudden hard ring. I answered it and found Mr. Fairlie’s man with a frightened look in his face.
“If you please, Miss—is your father in?” he asked.
“Papa!”
He came at the summons.
“The master is—very bad, sir. They want to see you right away. Mister Dick is taking it very hard.”
“Mr. Fairlie!” exclaimed papa in amaze.—“Why, I saw him yesterday, and well.”
“He’s been rather queer in his head for two or three days. It was the sun or something.—And about midnight he was taken. The Doctor has given him up now.”
“Yes,” said papa, bewildered. “I’ll be there directly.”
“I’ve the wagon here for you, sir.”
He just kissed mamma and went without another word. Such calls left no room for discussions.