To smother a cough successfully, you must be able to escape at intervals.

On one occasion the smothering was tried too long, and after the aggravated outburst which ensued, the doctor was called in.

The Bush House family practitioner being absent, a new man came for him, who, after a few glances at Matilda, postponed the examination of her lungs, and begged to see Miss Mulberry.
Matilda had learned her last lesson in Bush House.
From the long interview with the doctor, Miss Mulberry emerged with a troubled face.
Lessons went irregularly that day.

Our quarter of an hour's recreation was as much extended as it was commonly cut short, and Madame herself was subdued.

She became a very kind nurse to Matilda, and crept many times from her bed during the night to see if "la pauvre petite" were sleeping, or had a wish that she could satisfy.
Indeed, an air of remorse seemed to tinge the kindness of the heads of Bush House to poor Matilda, which connected itself in Eleanor's mind with a brief dialogue that she overheard between Miss Mulberry and the doctor at the front door: "I feel there has been culpable neglect," said Miss Mulberry mournfully.
"But----" "No, no.