"And fatal?"
"Yes, and fatal. Henry Hepburn is in danger."
"But he will get over it?" rejoined Bessy quickly.
"I don't think so. His brother will have it next if he does not mind. He is as nervous over it as he can be. I am off now, Bessy, up the Ham."
"You will be in to dinner?"
"Before that, I hope."
Bessy settled to her pudding again, and the doctor departed. Not into danger this time, for the fever had not yet shown itself in Dallory Ham. Scarcely a minute had elapsed when the door-bell rang, and Molly went to answer it. Mrs. Rane, her hands all flour, peeped from the kitchen, and saw Mr. North.
"Oh papa! How glad I am to see you! Do you mind coming in here?"
Mind! Mr. North felt far more at home in Bessy's kitchen than in his wife's grand drawing-room. He had brought a small open basket of lovely hot-house flowers for Bessy. He put it on the table, and sat down on one of the wooden chairs in peace and comfort. Richard had not returned, and he was still alone.
"Go on with your pudding, my dear. Don't mind me. I like to see it."