the tenor of Sir Peter’s replies and they were read in any light, according to the idiosyncrasies of the reader.  Mrs MacHugh was quite sure that the danger was over, and had a little game of cribbage on the sly with old Miss Wright for, during the severity of Miss Stanbury’s illness, whist was put on one side in the vicinity of the Close.  Barty Burgess was still obdurate, and shook his head.  He was of opinion that they might soon gratify their curiosity, and see the last crowning iniquity of this wickedest of old women.  Mrs Clifford declared that it was all in the hands of God; but that she saw no reason why Miss Stanbury should not get about again.  Mr Gibson thought that it was all up with his late friend; and Camilla wished that at their last interview there had been more of charity on the part of one whom she had regarded in past days with respect and esteem.  Mrs French, despondent about everything, was quite despondent in this case.  Martha almost despaired, and already was burdened with the cares of a whole wardrobe of solemn funereal clothing.  She was seen peering in for half-an-hour at the windows and doorway of a large warehouse for the sale of mourning.  Giles Hickbody would not speak above his breath, and took his beer standing; but Dorothy was hopeful, and really believed that her aunt would recover.  Perhaps Sir Peter had spoken to her in terms less oracular than those which he used towards the public.

Brooke Burgess came, and had an interview with Sir Peter, and to him Sir Peter was under some obligation to speak plainly, as being the person whom Miss Stanbury recognised as her heir.  So Sir Peter declared that his patient might perhaps live, and perhaps might die.  ’The truth is, Mr Burgess,’ said Sir Peter, ’a doctor doesn’t know so very much more about these things than other people.’  It was understood that Brooke was to remain three days in Exeter, and then return to London.  He would, of course, come again if if anything should happen.  Sir Peter had been quite clear in his opinion, that no immediate result was to be anticipated either in the one direction or the other.  His patient was doomed to a long illness; she might get over it, or she might succumb to it.

Dorothy and Brooke were thus thrown much together during these three days.  Dorothy, indeed, spent most of her hours beside her aunt’s bed, instigating sleep by the reading of a certain series of sermons in which Miss Stanbury had great faith; but nevertheless, there were some minutes in which she and Brooke were necessarily together.  They eat their meals in each other’s company, and there was a period in the evening, before Dorothy began her night-watch in her aunt’s room, at which she took her tea while Martha was nurse in the room above.  At this time of the day she would remain an hour or more with Brooke; and a great deal may be said between a man and a woman in an hour when the will to say it is there.  Brooke Burgess had by no means changed