Newton turned to the writing-table and traced a few lines, bringing it on the blotting-pad for his client's signature. "I can sign steadily enough still," said Mr. Liddell, slowly, "and my name is good for a few thousands. Hey?" "That it certainly is, Mr. Liddell." "Do you think old Fergusson could sign as steadily as that?" asked Mr. Liddell, with a slight, exulting smile. "I should say not. What writing of his I have seen was a terrible scrawl." "Hum! he wasn't a gentleman, you know. He drank too; not to be intoxicated, but too much--too much! For he will find the temperance man too many for him. _I'll_ win the race, the waiting race;" and he laughed again in a distressing, hysterical fashion, that quite exhausted him. Katherine flew to fetch cold water, while the old man leaning back panting and breathless, and Mr. Newton, much alarmed, fanned him with a folded newspaper. He gradually recovered, but complained much of the beating of his heart. Mr. Newton wished to send for the doctor, but Mr. Liddell would not hear of it. Then he urged his allowing the servant at least to sleep on the sofa in the front parlor, leaving the door into Mr. Liddell's room open. To this the object of his solicitude was also opposed, so Mr. Newton bade him farewell. Katherine, however, waylaid him in the hall, and they held a short conference. "He really ought not to be left alone at night." "No, he must not," said Katherine. "I will make our servant spend the night in the parlor. She can easily open the door after the lights are out, without his being vexed by knowing she is there. I could not sleep if I thought he was alone. I will come very early in the morning to relieve her." "Do, my dear young lady. I will call on the doctor and beg him to come round early." "Do you think my uncle so ill, then?" "He is greatly changed, and his weakness makes me uneasy. I trust in God he may be spared a little longer." Katherine looked and felt surprised at the fervor of his tone. Little did she dream the real source of the friendly lawyer's anxiety to prolong a very profitless existence. After a few more remarks and a promise to come at any time if he were needed, Mr. Newton departed; and Katherine got through the dreary evening as best she could. How she longed to summon her mother! but she feared to irritate her uncle, who was evidently unequal to bear the slightest agitation. Next day was unusually cold, and though Mr. Liddell had passed a tranquil night, he seemed averse to leave his bed. He lay there very quietly, and listened to the papers being read, and it was late in the afternoon before he would get up and dress. From this time forward he rarely rose till dusk, and it grew more and more an effort to him. He was always pleased to see Mr. Newton, and to converse a little with him. He even spoke with tolerable civility to Mrs. Liddell when she came to see her daughter.