And it really seems a
mockery having dinner at such a time. It's just as it was during poor
Tom's illness; there were fowls and all sorts of things cooked, and no
one ever ate them."
"For God's sake go away!" cried Mr. Sheldon passionately; "your perpetual
clack is torture to me."
Georgy hurried from the room, followed closely by Diana.
"Did you ever see any one more anxious?" Mrs. Sheldon asked, with
something like pride.
"I would rather see Mr. Sheldon less anxious!" Diana answered gravely.
CHAPTER II.
DR. JEDD'S OPINION.
Alone, Philip Sheldon breathed more freely. He paced the room, waiting
for the appearance of the doctor; and with almost every turn he looked at
the clock upon the chimneypiece.
How intolerable seemed the slow progress of the moments! How long that
man Jedd was staying in the sick-room! And yet not long; it was he,
Philip Sheldon, who was losing count of time. Where was Valentine? He
opened the door of the room, and looked out. Yes, there was a figure on
the stairs. The lover was waiting the physician's verdict.
A door on the landing above opened, and the step of the Doctor sounded on
the upper flight. Mr. Sheldon waited for Dr. Jedd's appearance.
"I shall be glad to hear your opinion," he said quietly; and the Doctor
followed him into the study. Valentine followed the Doctor, to Mr.
Sheldon's evident surprise.
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