"Yes."
"And when does she want this new doctor called in?"
"Immediately, if possible."
It was seven o'clock by this time, and the morning was brightening a little.
"Very well," said Mr. Sheldon; "her wishes shall be attended to directly. Heaven forbid that I should stand between my old friend and any chance of his speedy recovery! If a stranger can bring him round quicker than I can, let the stranger come."
* * * * *
Mr. Sheldon was not slow to obey Mrs. Halliday's behest. He was departing on his quest breakfastless, when Nancy Woolper met him in the hall with a cup of tea. He accepted the cup almost mechanically from her hand, and took it into the parlour, whither Nancy followed him. Then for the first time he perceived that change in his housekeeper's face which had so startled Georgina Halliday. The change was somewhat modified now; but still the Nancy Woolper of to-day was not the Nancy Woolper of yesterday.
"You're looking very queer, Nancy," said the dentist, gravely scrutinising the woman's face with his bright penetrating eyes. "Are you ill?"
"Well, Mr. Philip, I have been rather queer all night,—sickish and faintish-like."
"Ah, you've been over-fatiguing yourself in the sick-room, I daresay.
Take care you don't knock yourself up."