One day about this time Reuben Gray called to see Hannah. Reuben was one
of the most discreet of lovers, never venturing to visit his beloved
more than once in each month.
"Look at Nora!" said Hannah, in a heart-broken tone, as she pointed to
her sister, who was sitting at her wheel, not spinning, but gazing from
the window down the narrow footpath, and apparently lost in mournful
reverie.
"I'll go and fetch a medical man," said Reuben, and he left the hut for
that purpose.
But distances from house to house in that sparsely settled neighborhood
were great, and doctors were few and could not be had the moment they
were called for. So it was not until the next day that Doctor Potts, the
round-bodied little medical attendant of the neighborhood, made his
appearance at the hut.
He was welcomed by Hannah, who introduced him to her sister.
Nora received his visit with a great deal of nervous irritability,
declaring that nothing at all ailed her, only that she was tired.
"Tired," repeated the doctor, as he felt her pulse and watched her
countenance. "Yes, tired of living! a serious fatigue this, Hannah. Her
malady is more on the mind than the body! You must try to rouse her,
take her into company, keep her amused. If you were able to travel, I
should recommend change of scene; but of course that is out of the
question. However, give her this, according to the directions. I will
call in again to see her in a few days." And so saying, the doctor left
a bottle of medicine and took his departure.
That day the doctor had to make a professional visit of inspection to
the negro quarters at Brudenell Hall; so he mounted his fat little white
cob and trotted down the hill in the direction of the valley.
When he arrived at Brudenell Hall he was met by Mrs. Brudenell, who said
to him: "Dr. Potts, I wish before you leave, you would see my son. I am
seriously anxious about his health. He objected to my sending for you;
but now that you are here on a visit to the quarters, perhaps his
objections may give way."
"Very well, madam; but since he does not wish to be attended, perhaps he
had better not know that my visit is to him; I will just make you a call
as usual."
"Join us at lunch, doctor, and you can observe him at your leisure."
"Thank you, madam. What seems the matter with Mr. Brudenell?"