"Well, we'll tell you all about it. Will they have programmes, James? I'll bring her a programme.—But you really feel as if you were going to be ill. Feel of her skin, James."
"No, you needn't, Sir," said Lizzie. "How queer of you, Miss Cooper! I'm perfectly well."
And at last her friends departed. Before long the servant came with the lamp, ushering Mr. Mackenzie.
"Good evening, Miss," said he. "Bad news from Mrs. Ford."
"Bad news?"
"Yes, Miss. I've just got a letter stating that Mr. John is growing worse and worse, and that they look for his death from hour to hour.—It's very sad," he added, as Elizabeth was silent.
"Yes, it's very sad," said Lizzie.
"I thought you'd like to hear it."
"Thank you."
"He was a very noble young fellow," pursued Mr. Mackenzie.