"The place where Nellie and I came from. I don't know what they used to call it."
"We'll go directly you are well," Nellie promised.
George brought a railway timetable, a pair of compasses, and a map of the British Isles; and delivered a lecture which delighted the old lady so much that she forgot her pangs, and was greatly astonished when the doctor bustled into the room thankful to know he was not too late.
"I suppose you want a subscription," said Miss Yard.
"I had a telegram saying you were seriously ill, but I have never seen you looking better," replied the doctor.
"Yes, I am wonderfully well, thank you. I hope you're the same," said the merry patient.
"Oh, doctor!" cried Nellie, entering the apartment. "Miss Yard was eating her breakfast—"
"And I swallowed a snake! Do you know I had forgotten all about it!" cried the old lady.
Nellie revised this version, and the doctor was professionally compelled to act the pessimist. He advised a little walk in the garden, to complete digestion of the wasps, recommended a stimulant, prescribed a tonic, and promised to call every day until the patient should be in a fair way to recovery.
Then he departed, and Miss Yard immediately suffered a relapse brought on entirely by the visit. She was stricken with some mortal disease, and they were hiding the truth from her. She consented to walk round the garden, as it would be for the last time; then, having insisted upon being put to bed, she implored Nellie to tell her the worst; and, when the girl declared it was nothing but a little indigestion, the old lady lost her temper, and said it was very unjust she should have to die of a disease that was not serious.