The renowned and popular Doctor Debow waited upon young Mrs. Alston two days after her arrival. During these two days Theo had been feeling increasingly ill, and she had not realized how eagerly she had counted on the physician's visit, how much she had depended on his advice and help, until Joseph ushered him into her chamber.

'I'm so glad you've come, Doctor,' she cried. 'I don't feel well, I mean even in the circumstances, and I'm sure you can help me.'

The doctor bowed. He had flowing white hair, and in his fur-collared black robe he looked both impressive and priestly. 'Your confidence docs me great honor, madam. It is natural for ladies in your—ah—delicate situation to be concerned over trifling manifestations. You must not disquiet yourself. Secundam naturam, my dear Mrs. Alston. Secundam naturam, you know'. He balanced himself on his heels, crossed his fingertips upon his corpulent belly, and regarded her benevolently.

'Exactly,' said Joseph. 'Just what I tell her.'

'Oh, I know,' said Theo unhappily. 'I don't mean to make an unnecessary pother, but my head aches almost constantly, and I can't seem to see very well. It is as though little black fleck› floated across my eyes.'

'Ah—visual disturbances, madam, are by no means un common. You must keep your strength up. Plenty of good red meat, copious libations of hearty wine, between repasts as well as while partaking of them. It is wise to force one's inclination a trifle. You are providing nourishment for—ahem—for two, you know'. He swayed ponderously, beaming at her.

'But I can't eat more,' she protested. 'Food makes me ill, and I am getting so fat anyway.'

He nodded affably. 'Quite natural—quite. Hie et ubique. Corpulence is an encouraging sign.'

'I suppose so,' she agreed hesitatingly. 'Yet my feet and hands are so swollen that I can wear neither my shoes nor my gloves, and it is a peculiar kind of plumpness, when I press it.—Look'. She thrust a small puffed foot from beneath the bedclothes, touched the taut white flesh: the dent from her finger remained for some seconds.

Joseph made an impatient sound and turned to the window, but the doctor's eyes flickered, his tolerant smile slipping for an instant. 'Possibly a slight dropsical condition. Perhaps it would be as well to——' He paused, glanced hastily at Joseph's disapproving back, pursed his lips delicately, and went on in a lower voice, 'Pray do not think me offensive, but we should perhaps examine the—ah—water——'

She cut him short. 'Of course, Doctor Debow. I quite understand.'