I will turn back with
you. You go on, Price. They are setting out for one of Hullah's
classes, so we shall have the house clear.'
'I hope there is not much amiss?' said Mr. Kendal.
'A tedious cold,' said the tutor; 'but the doctor assures me that
there is nothing wrong with his chest, and I do believe he would not
cough half so much, if he were not always watching himself.'
'Who has been attending him?'
'Lee, the union doctor, a very good man, with a large family,'
(Albinia could have beaten him). 'Indeed,' he continued perceiving
some dissatisfied looks, 'I think you will find that a little change
is all that he wants.'
'I hope you can give a good account of him in other respects?' said
Mr. Kendal.
'Oh! yes, in every way; he is the most good-natured lad in the world,
and quite the small boys' friend. Perhaps he has been a little more
sentimental of late, but that may be only from being rather out of
order. I'll call him.'
The last words were spoken as they entered the parsonage, where
opening a door, he said, 'Here, Kendal, here's a new prescription for
you.'
Albinia had a momentary view of a tabby-cat and kitten, a volume of
poetry, a wiry-haired terrier, and Gilbert, all lying promiscuously
on the hearth-rug, before the two last leaped up, the one to bark,
and the other to come forward with outstretched hand, and glad
countenance.
He looked flushed and languid, but the roaring fire and close room
might account for that, and though, when the subject was mentioned,
he gave a short uncomfortable cough, Albinia's mind was so far
relieved, that she was in doubt with whom to be angry, and prepared
to stand on the defensive, should her brother think him too well.
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