"Only Mr. Jarvis, sir. I think he wanted to see my lady about the new schools. He was very particular in asking what was the matter with her, and I said I thought it might be one of those old bilious attacks come on again. My lady had a bad one or two at times, years ago, sir, you may remember."
"Ay," replied Mr. Chandos: but it was all the comment he made.
"Is Lady Chandos subject to bilious attacks?" I inquired of Mr. Chandos.
"Not particularly. She has been free from them latterly."
"Did you know, sir," continued Hickens, "that we have had news of Mrs. Freeman?"
"No. When did it come? I hope it's good."
"Not very good, sir. It came half an hour ago. She had another fit to-day in the forenoon, and it's certain now that she wont be able to come back here for a long while, if she is at all. The relation that she is with wrote to Mrs. Hill, who took up the note to my lady. Hill says, when she left her there were symptoms of a second attack coming on."
Mr. Chandos leaned back for a moment in his chair, forgetful that he was at dinner, and not alone. He was in a reverie; but, as his eye fell on me, he shook it off, and spoke.
"Her not returning will prove an inconvenience to Mrs. Chandos."
"I am afraid it will, sir," rejoined Hickens, who had fancied himself addressed; though, in point of fact, Mr. Chandos had but unconsciously spoken aloud his thoughts. Hickens had been a long while in the family, was a faithful and valued servant, consequently he thought himself at liberty to talk in season and out of season. "I warned Mrs. Chandos's maid, sir, not to tell her mistress about Mrs. Freeman's being worse," he went on. "It would do no good, and only worrit her."