“ My report from Mrs. Goddard’s,” said she presently, “was not so pleasant as I had hoped⁠—‘Not better’ was my answer.”

His face lengthened immediately; and his voice was the voice of sentiment as he answered.

“Oh! no⁠—I am grieved to find⁠—I was on the point of telling you that when I called at Mrs. Goddard’s door, which I did the very last thing before I returned to dress, I was told that Miss Smith was not better, by no means better, rather worse. Very much grieved and concerned⁠—I had flattered myself that she must be better after such a cordial as I knew had been given her in the morning.”