At length he wrote: MADAM,--I write to tell you of the condition of the poor young woman--[here came a long pause of deliberation]--who accompanied your son on his arrival here, and who was left behind on your departure yesterday.
She is lying (as it appears to me) in a very dangerous state at my lodgings; and, if I may suggest, it would be kind to allow your maid to return and attend upon her until she is sufficiently recovered to be restored to her friends, if, indeed, they could not come to take charge of her themselves.
I remain, madam, Your obedient servant, THURSTAN BENSON.
The note was very unsatisfactory after all his consideration, but it was the best he could do.

He made inquiry of a passing servant as to the lady's name, directed the note, and placed it on the indicated shelf.

He then returned to his lodgings, to await the doctor's coming and the post-boy's return.

There was no alteration in Ruth; she was as one stunned into unconsciousness; she did not move her posture, she hardly breathed.

From time to time Mrs Hughes wetted her mouth with some liquid, and there was a little mechanical motion of the lips; that was the only sign of life she gave.