"How do you do, Doctor Smiler?" I said very courteously; "have the kindness to be seated."
The Doctor sat down.
"Are you going to the brook to-day?" he inquired.
"Yes; if the wind holds, I shall try it for an hour or two this evening. I hope Mrs Smiler is well."
"She is not well," he said.
"And Christina—Miss Christina?" I added, correcting myself.
"Dying," said the Doctor.
"Christina dying!" I exclaimed, starting up and taking the Doctor's hand; "my dear Smiler, why didn't you tell us?—why didn't you send for us?"
"I was ashamed, and that's the truth," said the Doctor. "Ah! Buddle, you were wiser than I."
"How?—what? Is it that rascal Mount Huxtable?" I inquired.