She decided on leaving her niece to repose, and on taking her son away with her.
"In your present state of health, Ovid," she began, "Carmina must not accept your professional advice." Something in those words stung Ovid's temper.
"My professional advice ?" he repeated.

"You talk as if she was seriously ill!" Carmina's sweet smile stopped him there.
"We don't know what may happen," she said, playfully.
"God forbid _that_ should happen!" He spoke so fervently that the women all looked at him in surprise.
Mrs.Gallilee turned to her niece, and proceeded quietly with what she had to say.
"Ovid is so sadly overworked, my dear, that I actually rejoice in his giving up practice, and going away from us to-morrow.

We will leave you for the present with your old friend.

Pray ring, if you want anything." She kissed her hand to Carmina, and, beckoning to her son, advanced towards the door.
Teresa looked at her, and suddenly looked away again.

Mrs.Gallilee stopped on her way out, at a chiffonier, and altered the arrangement of some of the china on it.