After giving his directions, William leaned over with a pleasant smile, and took both children in his arms, carrying them to his private room. On his way, he met James and a strange gentleman. They were going towards Clarissa's room. To William's surprised look, James answered, "Master, this is the doctor Mistress sent for. She told me to bring him to her at once."
A hot wave of emotion passed over William's face, that a strange physician should be consulted, and have the privilege of entering his wife's room without his consent. Without looking at the doctor, he said:
"Show him into the reception room. I will be there soon."
"Mistress Clarissa said for me to bring him to her at once."
"She is sleeping. I just left her, and do not wish her disturbed. I will come to the doctor in—"
"Father! She moved—she moved!"
There was such exultation in Augustus' voice when he spoke, that James and the stranger, despite their best efforts to look and appear unconcerned, could not help showing astonishment.
"It is gone now, but she did. Hurry, father, hurry. Make her move again."
The boy was beside himself with emotion. He was sure he had felt a nestling motion in his idol. He was impatient to see her eyes open. She was still cold. He thought she was not quite so cold as she had been.
William noted the looks of astonishment, but felt no desire to explain. He spoke sharply to James: