and prepared to see him, he called at his door, and was admitted into his private chamber, where Sir Aubrey, who had but just risen, was supported in an elbow chair, seemingly suffering the most acute anguish; his mien nevertheless bore a dignified composure. With a condescension De Brooke rarely experienced, he extended him his hand, which, respectfully bowing over, he carried to his lips. Then seating himself, Sir Aubrey, in somewhat enfeebled accents, entered upon the subject of his malady, evincing in his remarks, notwithstanding the exhaustion of his body, a mind still powerful.
Thus occupied, the physician entered, and, soon after, her Ladyship. Glancing a look of reserve upon De Brooke, and one of anxious inquiry on the doctor, she tremulously asked him how he found his patient. His pulse, he replied, announced fever! but which not being violent, he hoped to allay; that Sir Aubrey, though advanced in age, had yet a strong constitution; that on account of the inflammatory symptoms attending his malady, he had doubtless much to contend with; but he had reason to hope he would surmount it, and if not restored to his former vigour, at least to the enjoyment of tolerable health; that as he had already taken from him much blood, it might be
