She's in a dreadful way--out of her head. I
sent for Dr. Hillhouse last night, but he didn't come."

She spoke in a rapid manner, showing much alarm and agitation.

"Is Dr. Hillhouse here now?" asked Mr. Ridley, trying to repress his
feelings.

"No, sir. He sent Dr. Angier, but I don't trust much in him. Dr.
Hillhouse ought to see her right away. But you do look awful, sir!"

The nurse fixed her eyes upon him in a half-wondering stare.

Mr. Ridley broke from her, and passing up the stairs in two or three
long strides, made his way to the bath-room, where in a few moments he
changed as best he could his disordered appearance, and then hurried to
his wife's chamber.

A wild cry of joy broke from her lips as she saw him enter; but when he
came near, she put up her hands and shrunk away from him, saying in a
voice that fairly wailed, it was so full of disappointment:

"I thought it was Ralph--my dear, good Ralph! Why don't he come home?"

Her cheeks were red with fever and her eyes bright and shining. She had
started up in bed on hearing her husband's step, but now shrunk down
under the clothing and turned her face away.

"Blanche! Blanche!" Mr. Ridley called the name of his wife tenderly as
he stood leaning over her.

Moving her head slowly, like one in doubt, she looked at him in a
curious, questioning way. Then, closing her eyes, she turned her face
from him again.

"Blanche! Blanche!" For all the response that came, Mr. Ridley might as
well have spoken to deaf ears. Dr. Angier laid his hand on his arm and
drew him away:

"She must have as little to disturb her as possible, Mr. Ridley. The
case is serious."

"Where is Dr. Hillhouse? Why did not he come?" demanded Mr. Ridley.

"He will be here after a while. It is too early for him," replied Dr.
Angier.

"He must come now. Go for him at once, doctor."

"If you say so," returned Doctor Angier, with some coldness of manner;
"but I cannot tell how soon he will be here. He does not go out until
after eight or nine o'clock, and there are two or three pressing cases
besides this."

"I will go," said Mr. Ridley. "Don't think me rude or uncourteous, Dr.
Angier. I am like one distracted. Stay here until I get back. I will
bring Dr. Hillhouse."

"Take my carriage--it is at the door; and say to Dr. Hillhouse from me
that I would like him to come immediately," Dr. Angier replied to this.

Mr. Ridley ran down stairs, and springing into the carriage, ordered
th