“No, Mr. Hawes, and I am much obliged to you.”
“Are you? Then tell me—between ourselves now—how ill is he?”
“He has got bilious fever consequent upon jaundice.”
Hawes lowered his voice. “Is he in danger?”
“In danger? Why, no, not at present.”
“Oh! then it is only an indisposition after all.”
“It is a great deal more than that—it is fever and bile.”
“Can't you tell me in two words how ill he is?”
“Not till I see how the case turns.”
“When will you be able to say then?”