"Is your daughter subject to these fits of hoarseness, ma'am?" he asked.
"Yes, sir, whenever she takes cold."
"And does that frequent irritating cough always attend the recurrence of hoarseness?"
"Always."
"Then, madam, it is but right that you should know, that such results, following a slight cold, indicate a very great tendency to pulmonary or bronchial affections. The predisposition existing, very great care should be taken to prevent all exciting causes. With care, your daughter may retain her health until she passes over the most critical portion in the life of every one with such a constitution as hers—that is, from twenty years of age until thirty or thirty-five. Without great care and prudence during that time, her constitution may be shattered so as to set all remedial efforts at defiance."
"But, doctor, how is she now?" was Mrs. Beaufort's anxious inquiry.
"Not dangerous, madam, but still in a condition requiring care and skill to prevent unfavourable consequences."
"Then do your best for her, doctor."
"You can rely on me for that, Mrs. Beaufort. Good morning."
With a heavy heart the mother returned to the sick chamber of her daughter, and sat down by the bedside, thoughtfully, for a few moments, while she held Amanda's hand, that was hot with fever. Then recollecting herself, she left the room to prepare the stimulating application which had been ordered.