But she had no need to go further than her attic; for upon opening the door she saw two figures in the room, and instantly recognized Reuben and his sister Janet.

The latter came forward with outstretched hands, and would have taken Gertrude into her embrace, but that she drew back and said in a voice of warning: "Take heed, Janet; touch me not.

I have passed the night by the bedside of my brother, and he is stricken with the plague!" "So soon ?" quoth Reuben, quickly; whilst Janet would not be denied her embrace, saying softly: "I have no longer a fear of that distemper myself, for I have been with it erstwhile, and my aunt Dinah tells me that I have had a very mild attack of the same ill, and that I am not like to take it again." "If indeed Frederick is smitten, we must take precautions to close the house," said Reuben.

"Is there aught you would wish to do ere giving the notice to my father ?" "Nay, I was on my way to him," said Gertrude, speaking with the calmness of one upon whom the expected blow has at last fallen.
"Let what must be done be done quickly.

Can we have a nurse?
for methinks Frederick must needs have tendance more skilled than any we can give him.