'What?'
'A passage in Herminia's letter.'
'About whom?' asked Charlie anxiously.
'Ernestine—my sister.'
'Read it, pray; anything is better than suspense.'
'Herminia writes, "Poor Ernestine seems to fret fearfully. There is a flush on her cheeks such as often precedes but more often follows pallor; and all her actions, figure, and manner are indicative of listlessness and ill-health."'
'My poor darling!' said Charlie, in a low agitated voice.
'"Surely her mamma will have some pity upon her," continued Herminia; "the Baron Grünthal has returned to Aix, and though his gout still continues——"'
'Praised be Plutus!' commented Charlie; 'I wish the nasty old beast was at the bottom of the Red Sea.'
'"And though it does not improve his temper, he has become very anxious and importunate."'