Mr. Sheldon entered the room at this juncture, and Diana left it, passionately indignant against the poor weak creature, to whom no crisis, no danger, could give strength of mind or will. "A sheep would make some struggle for her lamb," she thought, angrily. "Mrs. Sheldon is lower than a sheep." It was the first time she had thought unkindly of this weak soul, and her anger soon melted to pity for the powerless nature which Mr. Sheldon held in such supreme control. She made no further attempt at resistance after this; but went to Charlotte's room and prepared for the journey. "O, why am I to be moved, dear?" the girl asked piteously. "I am too ill to be moved." "It is for your good, darling. Mr. Sheldon wants you to be near the great physicians, who can give you health and strength." "There are no physicians who can do that. Let me stay here, Di. Beg papa to let me stay here." Diana hid her face upon the invalid's shoulder. Her tears choked her. To repress her grief was agony scarcely endurable. But she did hide all trace of anger and sorrow, and cheered the helpless traveller throughout the weariness of the journey. * * * * * Charlotte was lying on a sofa in her bedroom, with Mrs. Woolper in attendance upon her, when Dr. Jedd arrived. It was a quarter to six, and the low western sunshine flooded the room. The physician came with Valentine, and did not ask to see Mr. Sheldon before going to his patient's room. He told the housemaid who admitted him to show the way to Miss Halliday's room. "The nurse is there, I suppose?" he said to the girl. "Yes, sir; leastways, Mrs. Woolper." "That will do." Mr. Sheldon heard the voice in the hall, and came out of the library as the doctor mounted the step of the stairs. "Who is this? What is this?" he asked of Valentine Hawkehurst. "I told you I was not satisfied with Dr. Doddleson's opinion," answered the young man coolly. "This gentleman is here by appointment with me." "And pray by what right do you bring a doctor of your own choosing to visit my stepdaughter without previous consultation with me?" "By the right of my love for her. I am not satisfied as to the medical treatment your stepdaughter has received in this house, Mr. Sheldon, and I want to be satisfied. Miss Halliday is something more than your stepdaughter, remember: she is my promised wife. Dr. Jedd's opinion will be more assuring to me than the opinion of Dr. Doddleson." At the sound of Dr. Jedd's name Mr. Sheldon started slightly. It was a name he knew only too well--a name he had seen among the medical witnesses in the great Fryar trial, the record of which had for him possessed a hideous fascination. He had fancied himself in the poisoner Fryar's place; and the fancy had sent an icy chill through his veins. But in the next minute he had said to himself, "I am not such a reckless fool as that man Fryar was; and have run no such risks as he ran."