Mr. Carlyle had got “Master Arthur” on his shoulder when Joyce entered. Master Arthur was decidedly given to noise and rebellion, and was already, as Wilson expressed it, “sturdy upon his pins.”
“How is Madame Vine, Joyce?”
Joyce scarcely knew how to answer. But she did not dare to equivocate as to her precarious state. And where the use, when a few hours would probably see the end of it?
“She is very ill, indeed, sir.”
“Worse?”
“Sir, I fear she is dying.”
Mr. Carlyle, in his consternation, put down Arthur. “Dying!”
“I hardly think she will last till morning, sir!”
“Why, what has killed her?” he uttered in amazement.
Joyce did not answer. She looked pale and confused.