"At least, you will have a cup of coffee," she said with a little effort.

"Mullins, will you put the tray down, and tell my sister that Mr.Herrick has come down to speak to us on business, and ask her not to keep him waiting." Malcolm did not refuse the coffee.

As he took the cup in his hand he said in a low voice, "I hope Mr.Carlyon is well." "Thank you, he is far from well," she returned gravely.

"Mr.
Charrington has been away for the last six weeks, and he has had far too much to do; he has taken a bad cold, and his cough is troublesome.
I have been speaking to Dr.Randolph to-day, and he thinks the vicar ought to come back." Then she stopped as Dinah came hurriedly into the room.

Malcolm's unexpected visit had evidently alarmed her.
"Oh, Mr.Herrick, what is it ?" she said in such a troubled voice that Malcolm felt almost afraid to tell his news.