We must now follow Mrs. Mainwaring, who, on inquiring if she could see
Sir Thomas Gourlay, was informed by Gibson, who had got his cue, that he
was not in a condition to see any one at present.

"My business is somewhat important," replied Mrs. Mainwaring, with a
good deal of confidence in the truth of what she said.

Gibson, however, approached her, and, with the air of a man who was in
possession of the secrets of the family, said, "Perhaps, ma'am, you come
on behalf of Miss Gourlay?"

"Whatever my business may be," she replied, indignantly, "be it
important or otherwise, I never communicate it through the medium of a
servant; I mean you no offence," she proceeded; "but as I have already
stated that it is of importance, I trust that will be sufficient for the
present."

"Excuse me, ma'am," replied Gibson, "I only put the question by Sir
Thomas's express orders. His state of health is such, that unless upon
that subject he can see no one. I will go to him, however, and mention
what you have said. He is very ill, however, exceedingly ill, and I fear
will not be able to see you; but I shall try."

Sir Thomas was seated upon a sofa reading some book or other, when
Gibson reappeared.

"Well, Gibson, who is this?"

"A lady, sir; and she says she wishes to see you on very important
business."

"Hum!--do you think it anything connected with Miss Gourlay?"

"I put the question to her, sir," replied the other, "and she bridled a
good deal--I should myself suppose it is."

"Well, then, throw me over my dressing-gown and nightcap; here, pull it
up behind, you blockhead;--there now--how do I look?"

"Why, ahem, a little too much in health, Sir Thomas, if it could be
avoided."

"But, you stupid rascal, isn't that a sign of fever? and isn't my
complaint fulness about the head--a tendency of blood there? That will
do now; yes, the plethoric complexion to a shade; and, by the way, it is
no joke either. Send her up now."

When Mrs. Mainwaring entered, the worthy invalid was lying incumbent
upon the sofa, his head raised high upon pillows, with his dressing-gown
and night-cap on, and his arms stretched along by his sides, as if he
were enduring great pain.

"Oh, Mrs. Norton," said he, after she had courtesied, "how do you do?"

"I am sorry to see you ill, Sir Thomas," she replied, "I hope there is
nothing serious the matter."

"I wish I myself could hope so, Mrs. Norton."

"Excuse me, Sir Thomas, I am no longer Mrs