“He was shown in; a pale man, of a dark complexion, and diminutive size. I was certain I had never seen him before, for his features were singularly marked. He asked my name, and seemed at a loss to deliver his message, and there was something in his air and manner that greatly alarmed me. ‘So you said your name is so so?’ said he again.
“‘I did; pray, tell me what is your business with me?’
“‘There is a lady at our house, who I suppose wishes to speak with you.’
“‘What lady wishes to see me? Where is your house?’
“He named some place on the London road towards Berwick.
“‘What lady can possibly be there,’ said I, ‘that knows any thing of me?’
“He looked at me again.—‘Pray, mem, have you a sister? Or had you ever any that you know of?’
“This query paralyzed me. I sunk down on the sofa; but as soon as I could speak, I asked how long the lady had been with him?
“‘Only since Friday evening last,’ said he. ‘She was taken ill at the inn on her way to Edinburgh, from whence she was conveyed to my house, for the sake of better and more quiet accommodation; but she has been very ill,—very ill, indeed. There is now hope that she will recover, but she is still very ill. I hope you are the lady she named when all was given over; at all events, you must go and see.’