soon as I have told them."

"Certainly."

"And what shall I tell her, sir? Her first word will be to ask me what
you wanted me for. I saw that in her eye. She was curious: that is why
she sent me after you so quick."

Dr. Philip groaned. He felt he was walking among pitfalls. He rapidly
flavored some distilled water with orange-flower, then tinted it a
beautiful pink, and bottled it. "There," said he; "I was mixing a new
medicine. Tablespoon, four times a day: had to filter it. Any lie you
like."

Mrs. Briscoe went to the kitchen, and gave her message: then went to
Mrs. Staines with the mixture.

Dr. Philip went down to the kitchen, and spoke to the servants very
solemnly. He said, "My good friends, I am come to ask your help in a
matter of life and death. There is a poor young woman up-stairs; she
is a widow, and does not know it; and must not know it yet. If the blow
fell now, I think it would kill her: indeed, if she hears it all of a
sudden, at any time, that might destroy her. We are in so sore a strait
that a feather may turn the scale. So we must try all we can to gain a
little time, and then trust to God's mercy after all. Well, now, what
do you say? Will you help me keep it from her, till the tenth of March,
say? and then I will break it to her by degrees. Forget she is your
mistress. Master and servant, that is all very well at a proper time;
but this is the time to remember nothing but that we are all one flesh
and blood. We lie down together in the churchyard, and we hope to rise
together where there will be no master and servant. Think of the poor
unfortunate creature as your own flesh and blood, and tell me, will you
help me try and save her, under this terrible blow?"

"Ay, doctor, that we will," said the footman. "Only you give us our
orders, and you will see."

"I have no right to give you orders; but I entreat you not to show her
by word or look, that calamity is upon her. Alas! it is only a reprieve
you can give her and to me. The bitter hour MUST come when I must tell
her she is a widow, and her boy an orphan. When that day comes, I will
ask you all to pray for me that I may find words. But now I ask you to
give me that ten days' reprieve. Let the poor creature recover a little
strength, before the thunderbolt of affliction falls on her head. Will
you promise me?"

They promised heartily; and more than one of the women began to cry.

"A general assent will not satisfy me," said Dr. Philip.