"Let me send for Dr. Melville."
"You silly soft-souled young pigeon! These attacks are not dangerous, merely annoying while they last."
"Perhaps a cup of tea will strengthen you?"
"Thank you, dear; but I believe I prefer some cool water."
She brought a tumbler of iced water, and a stool which she placed beneath his feet.
"How delicious! worth all the tea in China; all the wine in Spain."
He handed back the empty glass, and sank down in his comfortable chair.
"How did you find Mr. Needham?"
"Much worse than when I saw him last. He had another hemorrhage to-day, and is evidently sinking. I should not so surprised if I were recalled before to-morrow, for his poor wife is almost frantic and wished me to remain all night; but I knew you were lonely here."
The exertion of speaking wearied him, and he laid his head back, and closed his eyes.