“You do not think my wife dangerously ill, I trust,” said he.
The doctor replied, in a low voice, “I fear she is.”
“Impossible!” exclaimed Mr. Draper; “she was remarkably well when we left Clyde. But what do you prescribe? I will do any thing, every thing, say but the word. I will take her to Europe—I will go to any part of the world you recommend.”
The physician shook his head.
“My dear doctor, you must go with us. I will indemnify you a thousand times for all losses; you can save her life; you know her constitution. When shall we go? and where? I will charter a vessel; we can be off in three days;”—and he actually took his hat.
Dr. B. said impressively, “Pray be seated, and prepare yourself to hear, like a man, what
you must inevitably learn. It will not answer any useful purpose to go to a milder climate; it is now too late!”
“You do not mean to say,” said Mr. Draper, impetuously, “that if she had gone last year she would have been restored?”
“No, I do not mean to say that; but then, there would have been a chance; now, there is none.”
“Why did you not tell me so, sir?” said Mr. Draper, angrily.