One morning Sir Alexander Pepps, on his way from the drawing-room
to his chariot--a very old-fashioned chariot that all the world knew
well--paused midway in the hall, with his cane to his nose, and
condescended to address the man with the powdered wig who was escorting
him.
"Is his lordship at home?"
"Yes, sir."
"I wish to see him."
So the wig changed its course, and Sir Alexander was bowed into
the presence. His lordship rose with what the French would call
_empressement_, to receive the great man.
"Thank you, I have not time to sit," said he, declining the offered chair
and standing, cane in hand. "I have three consultations to-day, and some
urgent cases. I grieve to have a painful duty to fulfil; but I must
inform you that Lady Hartledon's health gives me uneasiness."
Lord Hartledon did not immediately reply; but it was not from want of
genuine concern.
"What is really the matter with her?"
"Debility; nothing else," replied Sir Alexander. "But these cases of
extreme debility cause so much perplexity. Where there is no particular
disease to treat, and the patient does not rally, why--"
He understood the doctor's pause to mean something ominous. "What can be
done?" he asked. "I have remarked, with pain, that she does not gain
strength. Change of air? The seaside--"
"She says she won't go," interrupted the physician. "In fact, her
ladyship objects to everything I can suggest or propose.
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