Then a sudden fear smote his heart. She was in no
condition to bear a shock such as his absence all night must have
caused. The consequences might be fatal. He started forward at a
rapid pace, hurrying along until he came in sight of his house. A
carriage stood at the door. What could this mean?
Entering, he was halfway up stairs when, the nurse met him.
"Oh, Mr. Ridley," she exclaimed, "why did you stay away all night?
Mrs. Ridley has been so ill, and I couldn't get the doctor. Oh, sir,
I don't know what will come of it. 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.
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