betokening infectious disease, I lay it on you as a matter of conscience to tell me about it at once, that her removal may be arranged for before it is too late."
"You are mistaken, indeed, you are mistaken, Mrs. Wilcox," urged poor Miss Prudence, with tears in her eyes. "There is no possible need for alarm. It really is nothing catching. I only wish it were."
"I'm sure I don't," interjected Mrs. Wilcox, more than ever amazed by the confusion of Prudence.
"Well, I don't exactly mean that, but there is no earthly cause for alarm on your part. If Augusta had anything serious the matter with her, anything in that way, I'd be the very first to tell you, and to send for the doctor, but she hasn't. She just is—is—not quite herself—has very little appetite and so on—I—I saw a great change in her appearance this morning, and it alarmed me. I think, and she agrees with me—indeed this is what I came to say, that if she went away to-morrow or next day for change of air, and meantime kept very quiet, was not disturbed in any way or by anyone, she would soon be all right."
"You know best!" said Mrs. Wilcox, "but
