The sufferer watched his expression very narrowly, as he bent over her and questioned her in regard to her pains.

He looked very serious, which Mrs.Redburn interpreted as unfavorable to her recovery, not considering that he was engaged in profound thought, and therefore his countenance would naturally wear an earnest look.

Presently she sent Katy to get her some drink, not because she wanted it, but to procure her absence for a short time.
"Do you think I shall get well ?" asked Mrs.Redburn, as soon as the door closed behind Katy.
"A person who is very sick, is of course, always in danger, which may be more or less imminent," replied the doctor, with professional indirectness.
"I beg of you, doctor, do not conceal from me my true situation." "I cannot foresee the result, my good woman." "Do you think there is any hope for me ?" "Certainly there is." "Tell me, I implore you, what you think of my case," pleaded the sufferer, in feeble tones.

"I felt this morning that my end was very near." "O, no; it is not so bad as that.

I should say you had as many as five chances in ten to be on your feet in a fortnight." "Do you think so ?" "I do not regard your case as a critical one." "I wish you had told me so last night.