e other quarter, for form's
sake.

The matter did not seem to strike Sir Percival in that light. He said
it would be time enough to send for another doctor if Miss Halcombe
showed any signs of a relapse. In the meanwhile we had the Count to
consult in any minor difficulty, and we need not unnecessarily disturb
our patient in her present weak and nervous condition by the presence
of a stranger at her bedside. There was much that was reasonable, no
doubt, in these considerations, but they left me a little anxious
nevertheless. Nor was I quite satisfied in my own mind of the
propriety of our concealing the doctor's absence as we did from Lady
Glyde. It was a merciful deception, I admit--for she was in no state
to bear any fresh anxieties. But still it was a deception, and, as
such, to a person of my principles, at best a doubtful proceeding.

A second perplexing circumstance which happened on the same day, and
which took me completely by surprise, added greatly to the sense of
uneasiness that was now weighing on my mind.

I was sent for to see Sir Percival in the library. The Count, who was
with him when I went in, immediately rose and left us alone together.
Sir Percival civilly asked me to take a seat, and then, to my great
astonishment, addressed me in these terms--

"I want to speak to you, Mrs. Michelson, about a matter which I decided
on some time ago, and which I should have mentioned before, but for the
sickness and trouble in the house. In plain words, I have reasons for
wishing to break up my establishment immediately at this place--leaving
you in charge, of course, as usual. As soon as Lady Glyde and Miss
Halcombe can travel they must both have change of air. My friends,
Count Fosco and the Countess, will leave us before that time to live in
the neighbourhood of London, and I have reasons for not opening the
house to any more company, with a view to economising as carefully as I
can. I don't blame you, but my expenses here are a great deal too
heavy. In short, I shall sell the horses, and get rid of all the
servants at once. I never do things by halves, as you know, and I mean
to have the house clear of a pack of useless people by this time
to-morrow."

I listened to him, perfectly aghast with astonishment.

"Do you mean, Sir Percival, that I am to dismiss the indoor servants
under my charge without the usual month's warning?" I asked.

"Certainly I do. We may all be out of the house be