Frank had several invitations from the boys to spend his holidays with them; but he knew how lonely his mother would feel in his absence, and he declined all the invitations.

Mrs.Hargate was far from strong, and had had several fits of fainting.

These, however, had taken place at times when Frank was at school, and she had strictly charged her little servant to say nothing about it.
One day on returning from a long walk he saw the doctor's carriage standing at the door.

Just as he arrived the door opened and the doctor came out.

Upon seeing Frank he turned.
"Come in here, my boy," he said.
Frank followed him, and seeing that the blinds were down, went to draw them up.