m 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."

"It's very strange," said Lord Hartledon.

"At times it has occurred to me that she has something on her mind,"
continued Sir Alexander. "Upon my delicately hinting this opinion to Lady
Hartledon, she denied it with a vehemence which caused me to suspect that
I was correct. Does your lordship know of anything likely to--to torment
her?"

"Not anything," replied Lord Hartledon, confidently. "I think I can
assure you that there is nothing of the sort."

And he spoke according to his belief; for he knew of nothing. He would
have supposed it simply impossible that Lady Hartledon had been made
privy to the dreadful secret which had weighed on him; and he never gave
that a thought.

Sir Alexander nodded, reassured on the point.

"I should wish for a consultation, if your lordship has no objection."

"Then pray call it without delay. Have anything, do anything, that may
conduce to Lady Hartledon's recovery. You do not suspect heart-disease?"

"The symptoms are not those of any heart-disease known to me. Lady Kirton
spoke to me of this; but I see nothing to apprehend at present on that
score. If there's any latent affection, it has not yet shown itself. Then
we'll arrange the consultation for to-morrow."

Sir Alexander Pepps was bowed out; and the consultation took place; which
left the matter just where it was before. The wise doctors thought there
was nothing radically wrong; but strongly recommended change of air. 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 go