lease do come I keep things as tidy
as I can and I do like her so and she used to be so kind to me and the
landlord says he's afraid she'll destroy herself I wish I could write
straight but I do shake so your dutiful wife matilda wragge excuse
faults and beg you on my knees come and help us the Doctor good man will
put some of his own writing into this for fear you can't make out mine
and remain once more your dutiful wife matilda wragge."

_Added by the Doctor._

"SIR--I beg to inform you that I was yesterday called into a neighbor's
in Vauxhall Walk to attend a young lady who had been suddenly taken ill.
I recovered her with great difficulty from one of the most obstinate
fainting-fits I ever remember to have met with. Since that time she has
had no relapse, but there is apparently some heavy distress weighing
on her mind which it has hitherto been found impossible to remove. She
sits, as I am informed, perfectly silent, and perfectly unconscious of
what goes on about her, for hours together, with a letter in her
hand which she will allow nobody to take from her. If this state of
depression continues, very distressing mental consequences may follow;
and I only do my duty in suggesting that some relative or friend should
interfere who has influence enough to rouse her. Your obedient servant,

"RICHARD JARVIS, M.R.C.S."

VIII.

_From Norah to Magdalen._

"July 5th.

"For God's sake, write me one line to say if you are still at
Birmingham, and where I can find you there! I have just heard from old
Mr. Clare. Oh, Magdalen, if you have no pity on yourself, have some
pity on me! The thought of you alone among strangers, the thought of you
heart-broken under this dreadful blow, never leaves me for an instant.
No words can tell how I feel for you! My own love, remember the better
days at home before that cowardly villain stole his way into your heart;
remember the happy time at Combe-Raven when we were always together.
Oh, don't, don't treat me like a stranger! We are alone in the world
now--let me come and comfort you, let me be more than a sister to you,
if I can. One line--only one line to tell me where I can find you!"

IX.

_From Magdalen to Norah._

"July 7th.

"MY DEAREST NORAH--All that your love for me can wish your letter has
done. You, and you alone, have found your way to my heart. I could think
again, I could feel again, after reading what you have written to me.
Let this assurance quiet your a