They were in part perhaps attributable to the annoyance and alarm caused by Ferrari's mysterious disappearance.
It had been impossible to conceal the circumstance, as his lordship rang repeatedly for the courier; insisting that the man should relieve Lady Montbarry and the Baron by taking their places during the night at his bedside.
'On the 15th (the day on which the old woman first came to do the housework), his lordship complained of sore throat, and of a feeling of oppression on the chest.

On this day, and again on the 16th, her ladyship and the Baron entreated him to see a doctor.

He still refused.

"I don't want strange faces about me; my cold will run its course, in spite of the doctor,"-- that was his answer.

On the 17th he was so much worse that it was decided to send for medical help whether he liked it or not.