CHAPTER V.
"I feel Of this dull sickness at my heart afraid And in my eyes the death sparks flash and fade And something seems to steal Over my bosom like a frozen hand." -- _Willis_.
Dr.Arthur Conly rode briskly up the avenue at Roselands, dismounted, throwing the bridle to a servant, and went up the steps into the veranda, whistling softly to himself.
"You seem in good spirits, Art," remarked Calhoun, who sat there with the morning paper in his hand.

"I haven't heard you whistle before for--well I should say something like a fortnight." "I am in good spirits, Cal, the Ion children are out of danger, and uncle has just had a telegram from Ned announcing the safe arrival of their party in New York in good season to take the steamer." "I presume this tells the same story, though I can't think why it isn't directed to grandpa, or to me as the eldest son of the house," Calhoun said, handing an unopened telegram to his brother.
Arthur tore it hastily open, glanced at the contents and paled to the very lips.
"What is it ?" cried Calhoun in alarm.
"Mother!" said Arthur huskily, putting the paper into his brother's outstretched hand.

"She has been struck down with apoplexy.

Cal, I must take the first train for New York.

Look at the paper, see when it leaves.
Thank God that those children are out of danger! But I must see whom I can get to take charge of them and my other patients during my absence." Then calling to a servant he directed a fresh horse to be saddled and brought to the door with all speed, and hurrying into the house, summoned his old mammy and bade her pack a valise with such clothing as he would need on a journey to the North which might occupy a week or more.
"You are acting very promptly," Calhoun said, following him in to give the desired information in regard to the train.
"Yes, there's not a minute to lose, Cal." Calhoun's face was full of grief and anxiety.