Plaxico made no reply to Demar’s request—in fact, he seemed to be perplexed, and full of hesitation, which was an unusual thing with him, for he generally acted promptly, and with energy.
“Doctor Plaxico,” said Demar, “do you know what is the matter with my wife?”
“No.”
“Have you no means by which you can ascertain the nature of her disease?”
“No.”
“Have you no suspicions as to the cause of her sudden illness?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me then what you suspect.”
“I shall not do it without further investigation.”
“Oh, Edward,” exclaimed Lottie, as she tore the lace collar from her neck, “do, pray, give me something to cool my throat—I cannot endure this horrible torture much longer!”