The coughing was spasmodic and convulsive. It shook her whole frame. In the end there came a dreadful tearing sound, and she caught her handkerchief to her mouth.
Avery knelt beside her, supporting her. She saw the white linen turn suddenly scarlet, and she called sharply to Mr. Lorimer to come to them.
He came, and between them they got her on to the bed.
"This is most unfortunate," said Mr. Lorimer. "Pray how did it happen?"
And then Avery's pent fury blazed suddenly forth upon him. "It is your doing!" she said. "You—and you alone—are responsible for this!"
He looked at her malignantly. "Pshaw, my dear Lady Evesham! You are hysterical!" he said.
Avery was bending over the bed. "Go!" she said, without looking up. "Go quickly, and fetch a doctor!"
And, very curiously, Mr. Lorimer obeyed her.