"Only my dooty, sir," muttered the old man.
"You are right, Jarvis, as to my health—I am ill."
"Then you'll send for a doctor, surely, Mr. Douglas."
"I have already seen a doctor."
"And what do he say, sir?"
"He says my case is very serious."
"Oh, Mr. Douglas, don't 'ee say that, don't 'ee say that," cried the old man, in extreme distress.
"I can only tell you the truth, Jarvis," answered Douglas: "but there is no occasion for despair. The physician tells me that my case is a grave one, but he does not say that it is hopeless."
"Why don't 'ee consult another doctor, Mr. Douglas," said Jarvis; "perhaps that one ain't up to his work. If it's such a difficult case, you ought to go to all the best doctors in London, till you find the one that can cure you. A fine, well-grown young gentleman like you oughtn't to have much the matter with him. I don't see as it can be very serious."
"I don't know about that, Jarvis; but in any case I have resolved upon doing something for you."