"I'm glad you're here, Master Jasper," said the faithful handmaiden, heartily.
"Is it too late?"
"I hope not; indeed, I hope not."
Jasper waited for no more, but rushed up stairs and into his father's room.
There were two persons there—the step-mother and a man of thirty, with black whiskers and sallow complexion, with whom she was talking earnestly. They, started when Jasper entered, and looked discouraged. Mrs. Kent looked displeased and annoyed.
"How is my father?" exclaimed Jasper, excitedly.
"Hush! He is very low," said Mrs. Kent "You shouldn't have dashed in here so abruptly."
"Is there no hope for him?" asked the boy, sorrowfully.
"No, my young friend," said the man, smoothly. "All has been done that human skill can do, but without avail."
"Are you the doctor?"