If she could have her mother
at her side she would fear nothing. She was up early, thankful to see
daylight, and eager for Mrs. Knapp's report of her uncle.
Generally the old man was afoot betimes, and despised the luxury of warm
water. This morning Mrs. Knapp had to knock at his door, as he was not
moving, and after a brief interview returned to inform Katherine that
Mr. Liddell grumbled at her for being up too early, and on hearing that
it was half past eight, said she had better bring him a cup of tea.
Katherine carried it to him herself. He took very little notice of her,
but said he would get up presently and hear the papers read.
When she came back with some jelly, for which she had sent to the
nearest confectioner, he ate it without comment, and told her she
might go.
It was a miserable morning, but about noon, to her great delight,
she saw Mr. Newton opening the garden gate. She flew to admit
him.
"I am so thankful you have come!"
"How is Mr. Liddell?"
"He seems quite himself this morning, except that he is inclined
to stay in bed."
"He must see a doctor," said Mr. Newton, speaking in a low
voice and turning into the parlor. "We must try and keep him
alive and in his senses for every reason.
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