It took but a few minutes for the doctor to reach the lane gate that led to the main entrance of “Friedenheim.”
His ring of the door bell was answered by Mose, who informed him that Mrs. Courtney was suffering with sick headache and was unable to go.
Disappointed, Dr. Lattinger turned away and in a few minutes reached home, where he sat down to breakfast, weary and listless, having been all night beside a sick bed.
“Diana Strong needs someone to assist her this morning,” he said, when a good cup of coffee had refreshed him. “Mrs. Ashley died during the night and Diana is there alone. I called at ‘Friedenheim’ to ask Mrs. Courtney to go, but she is in bed with one of her attacks of sick headache, and it is impossible for her to give aid.”
“Of course, Diana feels the responsibility,” rejoined Mrs. Lattinger. “Mrs. Ashley had no relatives and her reserved disposition prevented her making acquaintances. ‘My Lady’s Manor’ was the only place she visited, and after Anna Ashburton left it she had not one whom she could call a friend. I wonder why Diana selected Mrs. Courtney?”
“She said that Mrs. Ashley admired her greatly, and said she reminded her of her sister, Mrs. Warfield.”
“I doubt, however, if Mrs. Courtney could have done what will be required. A burial robe will have to be made unless Diana sends to Baltimore for one.”
“I think she is at a loss to know what to do. Perhaps you can go down and advise her. She is depending upon me to send someone.”
“I cannot possibly go from home to-day, for I have invited Mrs. Merryman and Mrs. Watkins to luncheon, and Jerusha Flint is coming this morning to cut and fit a dress for me, and if I disappoint her she would take pleasure in refusing to come another day.”
“If she can make burial dresses perhaps she would go and help Diana.”