Marion found the door unlocked, and entering the house quietly, only stopping long enough for the doctor to divest himself of his fantastic head-dress, she led the way upstairs.
"How is she?" anxiously asked Marion of Miss Christine, who met them at the chamber-door.
"She is more quiet, but I am very glad the doctor is here."
The doctor took off his gloves, rubbed his hands together two or three times, then went to the bedside.
Rachel looked at him; but seemed to pay no attention to him or any one else. He felt of her head and pulse, then asked Miss Christine if she had ever seen her in a fever before.
"No," replied Miss Christine; "but she often has severe headaches; she has a sore throat now."
"Bring the light nearer," said the doctor. "Now, my dear young lady, will you please open your mouth?"
But Rachel only moved her head, and showed signs of becoming restless. The doctor stooped down, opened her mouth himself, and tried to look down her throat; but she resisted him, and commenced sobbing and muttering incoherently. The doctor soothed her as he would a little child, and she became quiet.
"Has she complained of pain in her back and limbs?"
"None at all," replied Miss Christine. "I asked her particularly."