"
"I am seeing her professionally now; once or twice a week. She had one or
two fainting-fits after she came down, and called me in."
"Kirton says he used to have those fainting-fits. Are they a symptom of
heart-disease?"
"In Lady Hartledon I attribute them entirely to her present state of
health. I assure you, I don't see the slightest cause for fear as regards
your wife's heart. She is of a calm temperament too; as far as I can
observe."
They stood talking for a minute at the door, when Lord Hartledon went
out. Pike happened to pass on the other side of the road.
"He is here still, I see," remarked Hartledon.
"Oh dear, yes; and likely to be."
"I wonder how the fellow picks up a living?"
The surgeon did not answer. "Are you going to make a long stay with us?"
he asked.
"A very short one. I suppose you have had no return of the fever?"
"Not any. Calne never was more healthy than it is now. As I said to Dr.
Ashton yesterday, but for his own house I might put up my shutters and
take a lengthened holiday."
"Who is ill at the Rectory? Mrs. Ashton?"
"Mrs. Ashton is not strong, but she's better than she was last year.
I have been more concerned for Anne than for her."
"Is _she_ ill?" cried Lord Hartledon, a spasm seizing his throat.
"Ailing. But it's an ailing I do not like."
"What's the cause?" he rejoined, feeling as if some other crime were
about to be brought home to him.
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