or where he was. The Mayor rose and came forward, "My dear friends," said he, mildly, "Mr. Chapman calls by appointment. Perhaps he may have something to say to me confidentially."
The three serious gentlemen, who had hitherto remained aloof, eying Mr. Chapman much as three inquisitors might have eyed a Jew, shook three solemn heads, and set the example of retreat. The last to linger were the rival proprietors of the theatre and the city concert-room. Each whispered the stranger,—one the left ear, one the right. Each thrust into his hand a printed paper. As the door closed on them the Comedian let fall the papers: his arm drooped to his side; his whole frame seemed to collapse. Hartopp took him by the hand, and led him gently to his own armchair beside the table. The Comedian dropped on the chair, still without speaking.
Mr. Hartopp. "What is the matter? What has happened?"
Waife. "She is very ill,—in a bad way; the doctor says so,—Dr. Gill."
Mr. Hartopp (feelingly). "Your little girl in a bad way! Oh, no; doctors always exaggerate in order to get more credit for the cure. Not that I would disparage Dr. Gill, fellow-townsman, first-rate man. Still 't is the way with doctors to talk cheerfully if one is in danger, and to look solemn if there is nothing to fear."
Waife. "DO you think so: you have children of your own, sir?—of her age, too?—Eh! eh!"
Mr. Hartopp. "Yes; I know all about children,—better, I think, than Mrs. H. does. What is the complaint?"
Waife. "The doctor says it is low fever."
Mr. Hartopp. "Caused by nervous excitement, perhaps."
Waife (looking up). "Yes: that's what he says,—nervous excitement."
Mr. Hartopp. "Clever sensitive children, subjected precociously to emulation and emotion, are always liable to such maladies. My third girl, Anna Maria, fell, into a low fever, caused by nervous excitement in trying for school prizes."
Waife. "Did she die of it, sir?"
Mr. Hartopp (shuddering). "Die! no! I removed her from school, set her to take care of the poultry, forbade all French exercises, made her take English exercises instead, and ride on a donkey. She's quite anotherthing now, cheeks as red as an apple, and as firm as a cricket-ball."
Waife. "I will keep poultry; I will buy a donkey. Oh, sir! you don't think she will go to heaven yet, and leave me here?"
