His first words in the morning were:
“Go and tell your mistress I want her.”
When his daughter came, he told her to send for George Crawford. He was worse, he said, and wanted to see him.
Alexa thought it best to send Dawtie with the message by the next train. Dawtie did not relish the mission, for she had no faith in Crawford, and did not like his influence on her master. Not the less when she reached his hotel, she insisted on seeing him and giving her message in person; which done, she made haste for the first train back: they could not do well without her! When she arrived, there was Mr. Crawford already on the platform! She set out as fast as she could, but she had not got further than half-way when he overtook her in a fly, and insisted she should get in.
CHAPTER XXVI. GEORGE CRAWFORD AND DAWTIE.
“What is the matter with your master?” he asked.
“God knows, sir.”
“What is the use of telling me that? I want you to tell me what you know.”
“I don't know anything, sir.”