Now, have I made myself understood ?" "Fully," answered the Queen of the Hill, who had listened to me quietly, watchfully, and without one interruption, "fully; and you have done well to confide in me with so generous an unreserve.

But before I say further, let me ask, what would be your advice for Lilian, supposing that you ought not to attend her?
You have no trust in Dr.Jones; neither have I.And Annie Ashleigh's note received to-day, begging me to call, justifies your alarm.

Still you think there is no tendency to consumption ?" "Of that I am certain so far as my slight glimpse of a case that to me, however, seems a simple and not uncommon one, will permit.

But in the alternative you put--that my own skill, whatever its worth, is forbidden--my earnest advice is that Mrs.Ashleigh should take her daughter at once to London, and consult there those great authorities to whom I cannot compare my own opinion or experience; and by their counsel abide." Mrs.Poyntz shaded her eyes with her hand for a few moments, and seemed in deliberation with herself.

Then she said, with her peculiar smile, half grave, half ironical,-- "In matters more ordinary you would have won me to your side long ago.
That Mr.Vigors should have presumed to cancel my recommendation to a settler on the Hill was an act of rebellion, and involved the honour of my prerogative; but I suppressed my indignation at an affront so unusual, partly out of pique against yourself, but much more, I think, out of regard for you." "I understand.