day or two when stronger."

The promise of my removal in a day or two appeared to satisfy the weasel
Gayarre, or rather he became satisfied that such was the only course
that could be taken with me, and the consultation ended.

Gayarre now approached the bed to take leave, and I could trace that
ironical expression playing in the pupils of his little eyes as he
pronounced some pretended phrases of consolation. He little knew to
whom he was speaking. Had I uttered my name it would perhaps have
brought the colour to his pale cheek, and caused him to make an abrupt
exit. Prudence prevented me from declaring it; and when the doctor
requested to know upon whom he had the honour of attending, I adopted
the pardonable strategy, in use among distinguished travellers, of
giving a _nom du voyage_. I assumed my maternal patronymic of
Rutherford,--Edward Rutherford.

Recommending me to keep myself quiet, not to attempt leaving my bed, to
take certain prescriptions at certain hours, etcetera, etcetera, the
doctor took his leave; Gayarre having already gone out before him.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

"AURORE."

I was for the moment alone, Scipio having betaken himself to the kitchen
in search of the tea, toast, and chicken "fixings." I lay reflecting
upon the interview just ended, and especially upon the conversation
between the doctor and Gayarre, in which had occurred several points
that suggested singular ideas. The conduct of the doctor was natural
enough, indeed betokened the true gentleman; but for the other there was
a sinister design--I could not doubt it.

Why the desire--an anxiety, in fact--to have me removed to the hotel?
Evidently there was some strong motive, since he proposed to pay the
expenses; for from my slight knowledge of the man I knew him to be the
very opposite to generous!

"What can be his motive for my removal?" I asked myself.

"Ha! I have it--I have the explanation! I see through his designs
clearly! This fox, this cunning _avocat_, this guardian, is no doubt in
love with his own ward! She is young, rich, beautiful, a belle, and he
old, ugly, mean, and contemptible; but what of that? He does not think
himself either one or the other; and she--bah!--he may even hope: far
less reasonable hopes have been crowned with success. He knows the
world; he is a lawyer; he knows at least her world. He is her
solicitor; holds her affairs entirely in his hands; he is guardian,
executor, agent--al