Two days after, about the same hour, whether suspecting the fact, or for some other reason, he requested the butler to send the nurse to him.
"The nurse from the nursery, sir; or the young person as teaches the young ladies the piano?" asked Hawkins.
"I mean the sick-nurse," said his master.
In a few minutes Miss Clare entered the dining-room, and approached Mr.
Morley.
"How do you do, Miss Clare?" he said stiffly; for to any one in his employment he was gracious only now and then. "Allow me to say that I doubt the propriety of your being here so much. You cannot fail to carry the infection. I think your lessons had better be postponed until all your pupils are able to benefit by them. I have just sent for the nurse; and,—if you please"—
"Yes. Hawkins told me you wanted me," said Miss Clare.
"I did not want you. He must have mistaken."
"I am the nurse, Mr. Morley."
"Then I must say it is not with my approval," he returned, rising from his chair in anger. "I was given to understand that a properly-qualified person was in charge of my wife and family. This is no ordinary case, where a little coddling is all that is wanted."
"I am perfectly qualified, Mr. Morley."