His lordship's health goes vacillating; a little up now, and then a little down, like a needle that is mounted to show the dip of compass; and it varies according to the electricity, as well as the magnetic influence." "What doctor told you that ?" I asked, seeing in a moment that this housekeeper was dealing in quotation.
"You are very"-- she was going to say "rude," but knew better when she saw me waiting for it--"well, you are rather brusque, as we used to call it abroad, Miss Castlewood; but am I incapable of observing for myself ?" "I never implied that," was my answer.

"I believe that you are most intelligent, and fit to nurse my cousin, as you are to keep his house.

And what you have said shows the clearness of your memory and expression." "You are very good to speak so," she answered, recovering her temper beautifully, but, like a true woman, resolved not to let me know any thing more about it.

"Oh, what a clap of thunder! Are you timid?
This house has been struck three times, they say.

It stands so prominently.
It is this that has made my lord look so." "Let us hope, then to see him much better to-morrow," I said, very bravely, though frightened at heart, being always a coward of thunder.
"What are these storms you get in England compared to the tropical outbursts?
Let us open the window, if you please, and watch it." "I hear myself called," Mrs.Price exclaimed.