“Well, I should think not, Miss Liddell,” said the precise lawyer, politely.  “I trust time may be given to him to recognize the claims of kindred and of merit.  Pray ask him if he will see me, and in the mean time please send a note to Dr. Brown—­a very respectable practitioner, who lives not far; ask him to come at once.  I must persuade Mr. Liddell to see him, and if possible while I am present.”

The old man showed no surprise at Mr. Newton’s presence; it was almost time for his monthly visit, and as he brought a small sum of money with him, the result of some minor payments, he was very welcome.

Katherine, immensely relieved, sat trying to work in the front parlor, but really watching for the doctor.  Would her uncle see him? and if not, ought she still to undertake the responsibility of such a charge?

At last he arrived, a staid, thoughtful-looking man; and before he had time to do more than exchange a few words with her, Mr. Newton appeared and carried him off to see the patient.

They seemed a long time gone; and when they returned the doctor wrote a prescription—­a very simple tonic, he said.  “What your uncle needs, Miss Liddell,” he said, “is constant nourishment.  He is exceedingly weak; the action of the heart is feeble, the whole system starved.  You must get him to take all the food you can, and some good wine—­Burgundy if possible.  He had better get up.  There is really no organic disease, but he is very low.  He ought to have some one in his room at night.”

“It will be difficult to manage that,” said Mr. Newton.

“I shall look in to-morrow about this time,” said the doctor, and hurried away.

“How have you contrived to make him hear reason?” asked Katherine, eagerly.

“I took the law into my own hands, for one thing, and I suggested a powerful motive for living on.  I reminded him that he and another old gentleman are the only survivors in a ‘Tontine,’ and that he must try to outlive him.  So the cost of doctor, medicine, etc., etc., ought to be considered as an investment.  Do not fail to get him all possible nourishment.  If he rebels, send for me.”

“I will indeed.  I am almost afraid to stay here alone.  Might I not have my mother with me?”

“Do not think of it”—­earnestly.  “I was going to say that I believe you are decidedly gaining on your uncle; but the intrusion of Mrs. Frederic Liddell yesterday was very unfortunate.  My rather peculiar client is impressed with the idea that you invited her.”

“Indeed I did not!” cried Katherine.

“I did not suppose you did, but her appearance seems to have given Mr. Liddell a shock.”  Mr. Newton paused, and then asked in a slow tone, as if thinking hard, “What was your sister-in-law’s maiden name?”

“Sandford,” said Katherine.

“Sandford?  That is rather a curious coincidence.  The late Mrs. John Liddell was a Miss Sandford.”