Lady Hester's head fell heavily back, and she fainted away.
The doctor rose, and sprinkled her forehead with water, and then patiently sat down with his finger on her wrist to watch the returning tide of circulation. Assured at length of her restored consciousness, he went on:
“A small establishment, strict economy, a watchful supervision of every domestic arrangement, together with the proceeds of the sale of all the useless trumpery by which he is at present surrounded, will do much; but he must be seconded, madam, seconded and aided, not thwarted and opposed. George can exchange into a regiment in India; the proper steps have been already taken for that purpose.”
“Have you been thoughtful enough, sir, in your general care of this family, to engage a small house for us at Brighton?”
“I have seen one at Ramsgate, madam,” replied he, dryly; “but the rent is more than we ought to give.”
“Are we so very poor as that, sir?” said she, sarcastically, laying emphasis on the pronoun.
“Many excellent and worthy persons, madam, contrive to live respectably on less.”
“Is Miss Onslow to go out as a governess, doctor? I am afraid you have forgotten her share in these transactions?”
“I have a letter from her in my pocket, madam, which would show that she herself is not guilty of this forgetfulness, wherein she makes the very proposition you allude to.”
“And me? Have you no sphere of self-denial and duty have you no degrading station, nor menial servitude, adapted to my habits?”