It may
be imagined that for this self-reliant, vigorous Aunt Mary to be taken
seriously ill, so ill as to have to summon help, was a great shock, and
Mr. Hastings decided at once that he must go to see his sister, and that
one of his daughters should accompany him; but the telegram was so
short, and gave so little information, that nothing further could be
arranged till the noonday post arrived, which always brought the letters
from Hapsleigh.
The morning seemed endless, but noon came at last, and with it the
promised letter, which was eagerly opened and read. It was from Mrs.
Mobberly, a near neighbour of Mrs. Wilson's. She described the sudden
illness, and all that had been done for the sufferer. "The doctor says
that for a day or two he cannot tell what the result may be, though we
may hope for the best. He has sent in a thoroughly trustworthy trained
nurse, but he agrees with me that it would be a good thing if one of
your daughters could come to take charge of the household, for even if
all goes as well as possible it will be a long and tedious recovery, and
the invalid must be kept perfectly quiet and free from all worry.
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