III

The Same Respected Friend in More Aspects Than One

In sooth, it is Riderhood and no other, or it is the outer husk and shell of Riderhood and no other, that is borne into Miss Abbey’s first-floor bedroom. Supple to twist and turn as the Rogue has ever been, he is sufficiently rigid now; and not without much shuffling of attendant feet, and tilting of his bier this way and that way, and peril even of his sliding off it and being tumbled in a heap over the balustrades, can he be got upstairs.

“Fetch a doctor,” quoth Miss Abbey. And then, “Fetch his daughter.” On both of which errands, quick messengers depart.

1369