Cicely sat down. She was in no hurry; she wanted full particulars.
“It’s his heart, miss.”
“You are frightening me, Ellen.”
“It’s much better, miss. It’s the old trouble come back. Me and cook said it would. With rest, he’ll be himself again. You see, miss, when trouble came to the Hall—and about that I ask you to accept my respectful sympathy——”
“Thank you, Ellen.”
“When trouble came to the Hall, it came to the village. We’ve had a lot of sickness. And the doctor single-handed . . .”
“A number of our people employ Dr. Snitterfield.”
Ellen sniffed.
“Only them as has to, miss. Well, just a week ago, the master fainted as he was lacing of his boots. But he went about his work just the same. He fainted again when he was taking them off. For an hour, miss, he sat huddled-up like in his chair, white as death and shivering. I gave him brandy and put hot bottles to his feet. His orders, miss. I had to help put him to bed.”
“I’m sure you did everything you could.”