"I never obeyed anyone in my life," said Aunt Jelly, stiffening her back, "and I'm certainly not going to begin with you."
"Dearest Miss Corbin, I am in earnest."
"So am I," retorted the old lady, frowning. "There! there! go away, I'll do everything you tell me, but I must see my nephew to-day."
Dr. Pargowker sighed, yielded to stern necessity, and spoke.
"Well, you can do so, my dear, old friend, but only for five minutes--only for five minutes."
"Quite enough for all I've got to say."
The doctor looked waggishly at Miss Corbin, in order to keep up her spirits, but his face grew very grave as he spoke to Minnie at the door.
"She must not see anyone," he said emphatically, "mind that, Miss Pelch. I was obliged to say she could speak to Sir Guy Errington for five minutes, as she grows so excited over being contradicted. If he does come, let her see him for that time, but don't let her grow excited. I'll call in again to-night, to see how she is."
"Is she very ill?" asked Minnie in dismay.
"So ill," said Pargowker, putting on his hat, "that if she's not kept absolutely quiet, she won't recover."