As they came in, the maid came in also. "Mr. Thurnall wished to speak to
Major Campbell."
Campbell went out, and returned in two minutes somewhat hurriedly.
"Mr. Thurnall wishes Lord Scoutbush to be informed at once, and I think it is better that you should all know it—that—it is a painful surprise:—but there is a man ill in the street, whose symptoms he does not like, he says."
"Cholera?" said Elsley.
"Call him in," said Scoutbush.
"He had rather not come in, he says."
"What! is it infectious?"
"Certainly not, if it be cholera, but—"
"He don't wish to frighten people, quite right:" (with a half glance at
Elsley;) "but is it cholera, honestly?"
"I fear so."