"What's the matter with him?" he asked kindly. "That's what I want to know, sir," said Christie; "he's a very old man, sir, and I'm afraid he won't live long, and I want to know, please. But I'd better go in first, please, sir; Master Treffy doesn't know you're coming." "Master Treffy," said Christie, walking bravely into the room, "here's the landlady's doctor come to see you." And to Christie's great joy, old Treffy made no objection, but submitted very patiently and gently to the doctor's investigation, without even asking who had sent him. And then the doctor took leave, promising to send some medicine in the morning, and walked out into the close court. He was just getting into his carriage, when he felt a little cold hand on his arm. "Please, sir, how much is it?" said Christie's voice. "How much is what?" asked the doctor. "How much is it for coming to see poor old Treffy, sir? I've got a few coppers here, sir," said Christie, bringing them out of his pocket; "will these be enough, sir? or, if not, sir, I'll bring some more to your house to-morrow." "Oh," said the doctor, smiling, "you may keep your money, boy; I won't take your last penny, and when I come to see Mrs. White I'll give a look at the old man again." Christie looked, but did not speak his thanks. "Please, sir, what do you think of Master Treffy?" he asked. "He won't be here very long, boy,--perhaps another month or so," said the doctor as he drove away. "A month or so! only a month!" said Christie to himself, as he walked slowly back, with a dead weight on his soul. A month more with his dear old master,--only another month, only another month. And in the minute which passed before Christie reached the attic, he saw, as in a sorrowful picture, what life would be to him without old Treffy. He would have no home, not even the old attic; he would have no friend. _No home, no friend; no home, no friend!_ that would be his sorrow. And only another month before it came! only another month! It was with a dull, heavy heart that Christie opened the attic door. "Christie, boy," said old Treffy's voice; "what did the doctor say?" "He said you had only another month, Master Treffy," sobbed Christie, "only another month; and whatever shall I do without you?" Treffy did not speak; it was a solemn thing to be told he had only another month to live; that in another month he must leave Christie, and the attic, and the old organ, and go--he knew not whither. It was a solemn, searching thought for old Treffy. He spoke very little all day. Christie stayed at home, for he had not heart enough to take the organ out that sorrowful day; and he watched old Treffy very gently and mournfully. _Only another month! only another month!_ was ringing in the ears of both. But when the evening came on, and there was no light in the room but what came from the handful of fire in the grate, old Treffy began to talk.