round the country, and we were much alarmed
when we found that he considered the case to be a very serious one.

His lordship the Count affably entered into conversation with Mr.
Dawson, and gave his opinions with a judicious freedom. Mr. Dawson,
not over-courteously, inquired if his lordship's advice was the advice
of a doctor, and being informed that it was the advice of one who had
studied medicine unprofessionally, replied that he was not accustomed
to consult with amateur physicians. The Count, with truly Christian
meekness of temper, smiled and left the room. Before he went out he
told me that he might be found, in case he was wanted in the course of
the day, at the boat-house on the banks of the lake. Why he should
have gone there, I cannot say. But he did go, remaining away the whole
day till seven o'clock, which was dinner-time. Perhaps he wished to
set the example of keeping the house as quiet as possible. It was
entirely in his character to do so. He was a most considerate nobleman.

Miss Halcombe passed a very bad night, the fever coming and going, and
getting worse towards the morning instead of better. No nurse fit to
wait on her being at hand in the neighbourhood, her ladyship the
Countess and myself undertook the duty, relieving each other. Lady
Glyde, most unwisely, insisted on sitting up with us. She was much too
nervous and too delicate in health to bear the anxiety of Miss
Halcombe's illness calmly. She only did herself harm, without being of
the least real assistance. A more gentle and affectionate lady never
lived--but she cried, and she was frightened, two weaknesses which made
her entirely unfit to be present in a sick-room.

Sir Percival and the Count came in the morning to make their inquiries.

Sir Percival (from distress, I presume, at his lady's affliction and at
Miss Halcombe's illness) appeared much confused and unsettled in his
mind. His lordship testified, on the contrary, a becoming composure
and interest. He had his straw hat in one hand, and his book in the
other, and he mentioned to Sir Percival in my hearing that he would go
out again and study at the lake. "Let us keep the house quiet," he
said. "Let us not smoke indoors, my friend, now Miss Halcombe is ill.
You go your way, and I will go mine. When I study I like to be alone.
Good-morning, Mrs. Michelson."

Sir Percival was not civil enough--perhaps I ought in justice to say,
not composed enough--to take leave