Mr. Kendal broke down, and handed the letter to his wife, who proceeded,

’I think it best you should be prepared for the worst, as I wish and endeavour to be; and truly I see so much trial and disappointment in the course of life before me, that it would hardly be the worst to me, except—­’

That sentence finished Albinia’s voice, and stealing her hand into her husband’s, she read on in silence,

’for the additional sorrow to you, and my grief at bringing pain to my more than mother, but she has long known of the presentiment that has always hung over me, and will be the better prepared for its realization.  If it would be any satisfaction to you, I could easily take a ticket, and go up to London to see any physician you would prefer.  I could go with Price, who is going for his sister’s birthday, and I could sleep at his father’s house; but, in that case, I should want three pounds journey money, and I should be very glad if you would be so kind as to let me have a sovereign in advance of my allowance, as Price knows of a capital secondhand bow and arrows.  With my best love to all,
                                   ’Your affectionate son,
                                               ‘GILBERT KENDAL.’

Albinia held the letter to her brother, to whom she looked for something cheering, but, behold! a smile was gaining uncontrollably on the muscles of his cheeks, though his lips strove hard to keep closely shut.  She would not look at him, and turning to her husband, exclaimed, ‘We will take him to London ourselves!’

‘I am afraid that would be inconvenient,’ observed Maurice.

‘That would not signify,’ continued Albinia; ’I must hear myself what is thought of him, and how I am to nurse him.  Oh! taking it in time, dear Edmund, we need not be so much afraid!  Maurice will not mind making his visit another time.’

‘I only meant inconvenient to the birthday party,’ drily said her brother.

‘Maurice!’ cried she, ‘you don’t know the boy!’

‘I have no doubt that he has a cold.’

‘And I know there is a great deal more the matter!’ cried Albinia.  ’We have let him go away to be neglected and badly treated!  My poor, dear boy!  Edmund, I will fetch him home to-morrow.’

‘You had better send me,’ said Maurice, mischievously, for he saw he was diminishing Mr. Kendal’s alarm, and had a brotherly love of teasing Albinia, and seeing how pretty she looked with her eyes flashing through wrathful tears, and her foot patting impetuously on the carpet.

‘You!’ she cried; ’you don’t believe in him!  You fancy all boys are made of iron and steel—­you would only laugh at him—­you made us send him there—­I wish—­’

‘Gently, gently, my dear Albinia,’ said her husband, dismayed at her vehemence, just when it most amused her brother.  ’You cannot expect Maurice to feel exactly as we do, and I confess that I have much hope that this alarm may be more than adequate.’