"My dear young lady," she said hastily, "I am afraid I must return to Mr. Allen. He is ill."
"Ill!" cried Dora, jumping up. "What is the matter with him?"
"I fancy he has fretted himself into a kind of fever," said Mrs. Tice, glancing at the letter. "This has just been sent over. Emma wrote it." Emma was a servant in Scott's house. "Mr. Allen did not want me to be told, but Emma thought it best I should know. I must really return and nurse my dear Mr. Allen," concluded Mrs. Tice, smoothing down her apron with trembling hands.
"You shall go this afternoon," cried Dora. "I'll send Meg to the hotel for a trap, and we will go over together."
Mrs. Tice smiled and looked grateful.
"I hope you won't think me unkind, Miss Carew?"
"Oh dear no! Meg will protect me against Joad," said Dora. And, after a pause, she added abruptly: "You do not ask me what I was doing in London yesterday."
"I did not think you wished to let me know, miss. You refused to tell me last night."
"I know I did; but I'll tell you now, because you may be able to help me. Mrs. Tice," said Dora solemnly, "I have seen Lady Burville."
"Yes, miss; and what of that?" asked Mrs. Tice cheerfully.