But he seemed to grow less and
less conscious of external things every moment.
When the physician came, he had many questions to ask as to the
cause of the state in which he found my father. But we could answer
none of them. I watched his face intently, noting every varying
expression, but saw nothing to inspire confidence. He seemed both
troubled and perplexed. Almost his first act was to bleed copiously.
Twice, before the physician came, had my father been inquired for at
the door, a thing altogether unusual at that hour of the day.
Indeed, his presence in the house at that hour was something which
had not occurred within a year.
"A gentleman is in the parlor, and says that he must see Mr. W----,"
said the waiter, speaking to me in a whisper, soon after the
physician's arrival.
"Did you tell him that father was very ill," said I.
"Yes; but he says that he must see him, sick or well."
"Go down and tell him that father is not in a state to be seen by
any one."
The waiter returned in a few moments, and beckoned me to the chamber
door.
"The man says that he is not going to leave the house until he sees
your father. I wish you would go down to him. He acts so strangely."
Without stopping to reflect, I left the apartment, and hurried down
to the parlor. I found a man walking the floor in a very excited
manner.
"I wish to see Mr. W.----," said he, abruptly, and in an imperative
way.
Pages:
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135