"Oh, nothing very alarming.

Would you mind asking her ?" "Why ?" "The fact is, she requested me not to tell you: made me promise." "And I insist upon your telling me." "And I think you are quite right, sir, as her father.

Well, she is troubled with a little spitting of blood." Mr.Lusignan turned pale.

"My child! spitting of blood! God forbid!" "Oh, do not alarm yourself.

It is nothing serious." "Don't tell me!" said the father.