y. It looks like a case of puerperal peritonitis."

Dr. Hillhouse started from the table; the trouble on his face grew
deeper.

"You had better see her with as little delay as possible," said Dr.
Angier.

"Did you make any new prescription?"

"No."

Dr. Hillhouse shut his lips tightly and knit his brows. He stood
irresolute for several moments.

"Most unfortunate!" he ejaculated. Then, going into his office, he rang
the bell and ordered his carriage brought round immediately.

Dr. Angier had made no exaggerated report of Mrs. Ridley's condition.
Dr. Hillhouse found that serious complications were rapidly taking
place, and that all the symptoms indicated inflammation of the
peritoneum. The patient was in great pain, though with less cerebral
disturbance than when he had seen her last. There was danger, and he
knew it. The disease had taken on a form that usually baffles the skill
of our most eminent physicians, and Dr. Hillhouse saw little chance of
anything but a fatal termination. He could do nothing except to
palliate as far as possible the patient's intense suffering and
endeavor to check farther complications. But he saw little to give
encouragement.

Mr. Ridley, with pale, anxious face, and eyes in which, were pictured
the unutterable anguish of his soul, watched Dr. Hillhouse as he sat by
his wife's bedside with an eager interest and suspense that was painful
to see. He followed him when he left the room, and his hand closed on
his arm with a spasm as the door shut behind them.

"How is she, doctor?" he asked, in a hoarse, panting whisper.

"She is very sick, Mr. Ridley," replied Dr. Hillhouse. "It would be
wrong to deceive you."

The pale, haggard face of Mr. Ridley grew whiter.

"Oh, doctor," he gasped, "can nothing be done?"

"I think we had better call in another physician," replied the doctor.
"In the multitude of counselors there is wisdom. Have you any choice?"

But Mr. Ridley had none.

"Shall it be Dr. Ainsworth? He has large experience in this class of
diseases."

"I leave it entirely with you, Dr. Hillhouse. Get the best advice and
help the city affords, and for God's sake save my wife."

The doctor went away, and Mr. Ridley, shaking with nervous tremors,
dropped weak and helpless into a chair and bending forward until his
head rested on his knees, sat crouching down, an image of suffering and
despair.

CHAPTER IX.

"ELLIS, my son."

There was a little break and tremo