The disease was evidently running its course; as she lay there exhausted and panting, I knew her lease of life would not be long.
'It was the smoke,' she panted.

'Peggy is young: she muddles over the fire.

Last night it went out, and she was near an hour getting it to light.' 'It is burning beautifully now,' I returned; and then Mr.Hamilton came back and began to examine his patient, professionally.

I was surprised to find that his abrupt manner left him; he spoke to Mrs.Marshall so gently, and with such evident sympathy, that I could hardly believe it was the same person; her wan face seemed to light up with gratitude; but when he turned to me to give some directions for her treatment he spoke with his old dryness.
'I shall be here about the same time to-morrow,' he finished; and then he nodded to us both, and went away.
'Mrs.Marshall,' I said, as I warmed the beef-tea with some difficulty in a small broken pipkin, 'do you know of any strong capable girls who would clean up the place a little for me ?' 'There is Weatherley's eldest girl Hope still at home,' she replied, after a moment's hesitation, 'but her mother will not let her work without pay.

She is a poor sort of neighbour, is Susan Weatherley, and is very niggardly in helping people.' 'Of course I should pay Hope,' I answered decidedly; and when the beef-tea was ready I called Peggy and sent her on my errand.