When, a week before the vessel sailed, Dr. Wade appeared with a
letter he had received from the Major, asking him to take charge
of Isobel on the voyage, Mrs. Hannay conceived a violent objection
to him. He had, in fact, been by no means pleased with the commission,
and had arrived in an unusually aggressive and snappish humor.
He cut short Mrs. Hannay's well turned sentences ruthlessly, and
aggrieved her by remarking on Helena's want of color, and recommending
plenty of walking exercise taken at a brisk pace, and more ease
and comfort in the matter of dress.
"Your daughter's lungs have no room to play, madam," he said; "her
heart is compressed. No one can expect to be healthy under such
circumstances."
"I have my own medical attendant, Dr. Wade," Mrs. Hannay said
decidedly.
"No doubt, madam, no doubt. All I can say is, if his recommendations
are not the same as mine, he must be a downright fool. Very well,
Miss Hannay, I think we understand each other; I shall be on board
by eleven o'clock, and shall keep a sharp lookout for you. Don't be
later than twelve; she will warp out of the dock by one at latest,
and if you miss that your only plan will be to take the train down
to Tilbury, and hire a boat there."
"I shall be in time, sir," Isobel said.
"Well, I hope you will, but my experience of women is pretty
extensive, and I have scarcely met one who could be relied upon
to keep an appointment punctually. Don't laden yourself more than
you can help with little bags, and parcels, and bundles of all
kinds; I expect you will be three or four in a cabin, and you will
find that there is no room for litter.
Pages:
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78