He sought for a row-boat, but none was at hand.
He felt as if he could have jumped across the river, and paced up and down, like one demented.
Just as the regular boat was about to leave the ferry wharf, old Sir Richard appeared, and in company with one of the best physicians of the city.
He had been informed by the same messenger of the critical nature of the case, had left the India House on the instant, and had forced his old friend, Dr. Stevens, to accompany him.
“Never mind your engagements, doctor—this is a case of life or death. I would not have her die for thousands!”
Within a few moments the boat started, and the three gentlemen were soon landed on the other side.
Two minutes’ walk sufficed to bring them to Charley’s residence.
Charley rushed upstairs, and would have entered his wife’s apartment.
Mistress Haylark, looking double her ordinary size, stood outside the door, blocking up the door, and denied him entrance.
“Go in there, sir,” she said, pointing majestically to a back room with her right hand, holding a basin of gruel in the left.