Her ladyship looked miserably worn and ill, and seemed to be quite at a loss to understand what we wanted with her.
Baron Rivar, who introduced us, explained the nature of our errand in Venice, and took pains to assure her that it was a purely formal duty on which we were engaged.

Having satisfied her ladyship on this point, he discreetly left the room.
'The questions which we addressed to Lady Montbarry related mainly, of course, to his lordship's illness.

The answers, given with great nervousness of manner, but without the slightest appearance of reserve, informed us of the facts that follow: 'Lord Montbarry had been out of order for some time past--nervous and irritable.

He first complained of having taken cold on November 13 last; he passed a wakeful and feverish night, and remained in bed the next day.

Her ladyship proposed sending for medical advice.