Fearing to disturb them, I kissed her lips, and going downstairs returned at once to Sir Thomas Colford's house, where I spent the entire night in attendance on his wife.
When I came home again about eight o'clock on the following morning it was to find Sir John Bell awaiting me in the consulting-room.

A glance at his face told me that there was something dreadfully wrong.
"What is it ?" I asked.
"What is it?
Why, what I called after you yesterday, only you wouldn't stop to listen, and I haven't known where to find you since.

It's puerperal fever, and Heaven knows what gave it to her, for I don't.

I thought so yesterday, and this morning I am sure of it." "Puerperal fever," I muttered, "then I am ruined, whatever happens to Emma." "Don't talk like that, man," answered Sir John, "she has a capital constitution, and, I daresay, we shall pull her through." "You don't understand.

I have been attending Lady Colford, going straight from Emma's room to her." Sir John whistled.