Sir
Alexander confidently mentioned Torbay; he had great faith in Torbay;
perhaps his lordship could induce Lady Hartledon to try it? She had
flatly told the consultation that she would _not_ try it.
Lady Hartledon was seated in the drawing-room when he went in, willing to
do what he could; any urging of his had not gone far with her of late. A
white silk shawl covered her dress of green check silk; she wore a shawl
constantly now, having a perpetual tendency to shiver; her handsome
features were white and attenuated, but her eyes were brilliant still,
and her dark hair was dressed in elaborate braids.
"So you have had the doctors here, Maude," he remarked, cheerfully.
She nodded a reply, and began to fidget with the body of her gown. It
seemed that she had to do something or other always to her attire
whenever he spoke to her--which partially took away her attention.
"Sir Alexander tells me they have been recommending you Torbay."
"I am not going to Torbay."
"Oh yes, you are, Maude," he soothingly said. "It will be a change for us
all. The children will benefit by it as much as you, and so shall I."
"I tell you I shall not go to Torbay."
"Would you prefer any other place?"
"I will not go anywhere; I have told them so."
"Then I declare that I'll carry you off by force!" he cried, rather
sharply. "Why do you vex me like this? You know you must go?"
She made no reply.
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