We started at once. As soon as we left the house Gabrielle rushed from us.
"I am going to have the front door open for you both when you arrive," she exclaimed. She disappeared as if on the wings of the wind.
"That is a good girl," I said, turning to the other doctor.
"She has always been deeply attached to both her parents," he answered.
We did not either of us say another word until we got to Ivy Hall. It was a rambling old house, with numerous low rooms and a big entrance-hall. I could fancy that in the summer it was cheerful enough, with its large, walled-in garden. The night was a dark one, but there would be a moon presently.
Gabrielle was waiting in the hall to receive us.
"I will take you to the door of mother's room," she exclaimed.
Her words came out tremblingly, her face was like death. She was shaking all over. She ran up the stairs before us, and then down a long passage which led to a room a little apart from the rest of the house.
"I told you mother wished to sleep in a room as far away from me as possible," she said, flashing a glance into my face as she spoke.
I nodded in reply. We opened the door and went in. The sight which met our eyes was one with which most medical men are familiar.