Mrs. H. Dr. Brownlow says there is failure of heart, not dangerous or advanced at present, but that there is an overstrain of all the powers, and that unless she keeps fairly quiet, and free from hurry and worry, there may be very serious, if not fatal attacks.
C. I never did think much of Dr. Brownlow. He told me my palpitations were nothing but indigestion, and I am sure they were not!
Mrs. H. Well, Cissy, something must be done to relieve your mother of some of her burthens.
C. I see what you are driving at, Aunt Phrasie; but I cannot go back till I have finished these courses. There’s my picture, there’s the cookery school, the ambulance lectures, and our sketching tour in August. Ever so many engagements. I shall be free in the autumn, and then I will go down and see about it. I told mother so.
Mrs. H. All the hot trying months of summer without help!
C. I never can understand why they don’t have a governess.
Mrs. H. Can’t you? Is there not a considerable outgoing on your behalf?
C. That is my own. I am not bound to educate my uncle’s children at my expense.
Mrs. H. No; but if you contributed your share to the housekeeping, you would make a difference, and surely you cannot leave your mother to break down her health by overworking herself in this manner.
C. Why does grandpapa let her do so?