"How did yours first show itself?"
"I hardly know. I used to be subject to sudden attacks of faintness; but
I am not sure that they had anything to do with the disease itself."
Just what Maude was becoming subject to! She had told him of a
fainting-fit in London; had told him of another now.
"I suppose the doctors warn you against sudden shocks, Bob?"
"More than against anything. I am not to agitate myself in the least; am
not to run or jump, or fly into a temper. They would put me in a glass
case, if they could."
"Well, we'll see what skill can do for you," said Hartledon, rousing
himself. "I wonder if a warmer climate would be of service? You might
have that without exertion, travelling slowly."
"Couldn't afford it," was the ingenuous answer. "I have forestalled my
pay as it is."
Lord Hartledon smiled. Never a more generous disposition than his; and if
money could save this poor Bob Kirton, he should not want it.
Walking forth, he strolled down the road towards Calne, intending to ask
a question or two of the surgeon. Mr. Hillary was at home. His house was
at this end of Calne, just past the Rectory and opposite the church, with
a side view of Clerk Gum's. The door was open, and Lord Hartledon
strolled into the surgery unannounced, to the surprise of Mr. Hillary,
who did not know he was at Calne.
The surgeon's opinion was not favourable.
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