“Answer for the consequences, forsooth!” said the formidable patient. “In my opinion it is time the law was amended. The medical profession ought to be more amenable to it.”
On the following morning the old lady was rather worse.
Nevertheless George Betterton called upon her for the second time during her illness, and was received in audience within the sanctity of her chamber. Yet this also was not in accordance with the advice of those who had charge of her case.
Cheriton called at half-past twelve the same morning. To him, however, access to the vicinity of the four-poster was denied. When he learned that George Betterton had been thus favored for half an hour past he assumed a grave demeanor.
“What is that man after?” he said to Miss Burden, mistrustfully. “No good, I am afraid. Yesterday it was the same. They spent an hour together as thick as thieves. And yet Caroline is unable to see her oldest friend, a disinterested adviser and sincere well-wisher.”
Miss Burden could throw no light upon the mystery.
“How is she this morning?” Cheriton inquired.
“Sir Wotherspoon Ogle does not think at all well of her.”
“Naturally.”
“The mind is so active,” said Miss Burden.