228 WYLDER'S HAJYD.
Buddle, would wish a consultation with a London surgeon
— whoever Lord Chelford had most confidence in — Sir
Francis Seddley, he thought, would be very desirable —-
but, of course, it was for the family to decide. If the
messenger caught the quarter to eleven up train at Dol-
lington, ho would be in London at six, and could return
with the Doctor by the down mail train, and so reach
Dollington at ten minutes past four next morning, which
would answer, as he would not operate sooner.
As the Doctor toddled towards Gylingden, with sympa-
thetic Major Jackson by his side, before they entered the
town they were passed by one of the Brandon men riding
at a hard canter for Dollington.
The ladies that morning had tea in their rooms. It
was near twelve o'clock when Lord Chelford saw Miss
Brandon. She was in the conservatory among her flow-
ers, and on seeing him stepped into the drawing-room.
"I hope, Dorcas, you are not angry with me. I've
been, I'm afraid, very impertinent; but I was called on
to decide for you, in your absence, and they all thought
poor Lake could not be moved on to Gylingden without
danger."
u You did quite rightly, Chelford, and I thank you,"
Baid Miss Brandon, coldly; and she seated herself, and
continued —
"Pray, what does the Doctor really say?"
"He speaks very seriously."
Miss Brandon looked down, and then, with a pale gaze,
suddenly in Chelford's face —
"He thinks he may die ?" said she.
"Yes," said Lord Chelford, in a very low tone, return-
ing her gaze solemnly.
"And nobody to advise but that village doctor, Buddle
— that's hardly creditable, I think."