"
"That is what Cousin Anne says," said Maud, "and when I am with
her, I think so too; and then something tiresome happens and I
meddle, I meddle! Jack says I like ruling lines, but that it is no
good, because people won't write on them."
X
WITH MAUD ALONE
They were suddenly interrupted by the inrush of the Vicar. "Maud,"
he said with immense zest, "I find old Mrs. Darby very ill--she had
a kind of faint while I was there. I have sent off Bob post haste
for Dr. Grierson." The Vicar was evidently in the highest spirits,
like a general on the eve of a great battle. "There isn't a moment
to be lost," he continued, his eye blazing with energy. "Howard, my
dear fellow, I fear our walk must be put off. I must go back at
once. There she lies, flat on her back, just where I laid her! I
believe," said the Vicar, "it's a touch of syncope. She is blue,
decidedly blue! I charged them to do nothing, but if I don't get
back, there's no knowing what they won't pour down her throat--
decoction of pennyroyal, I dare say; and if the woman coughs, she
is lost. This is the sort of thing I enjoy--of course it is very
sad--but it is a tussle with death. I know a good deal about
medicine, and Grierson has more than once complimented me on my
diagnosis--he said it was masterly--forgive a touch of vanity! But
you mustn't lose your walk. Maud, dear, you take Howard out--I am
sure he won't mind for once. You could walk round the village, or
you could go and find Jack.
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