CHAPTER XV.
JOSEPHINE LOOKED DANGEROUS.
In those days after her mysterious and secret visit to London Mrs.
Bertram was a considerably altered woman.

All her life hitherto she had enjoyed splendid health; she was unacquainted with headaches; neuralgia, rheumatism, gout, the supposed banes of the present day, never troubled her.
Now, however, she had absolutely an attack of the nerves.

Mabel found her mother, on coming to wish her good-morning one day, shivering so violently that she could not complete her dressing.

Loftus was not at home.

He had rejoined his regiment for a brief spell, so Catherine and Mabel had to act on their own responsibility.
They did not hesitate to send for the local doctor.
Dr.Morris, who was calmly shaving in his bedroom was very much excited when his wife rushed in to tell him that he was summoned in haste to the Manor.
"And you might peep into the Manor drawing-room on your way downstairs, doctor," whispered the good lady, in her muffled tone, "and find out if the carpet is really felt.