"I don't approve of that pale cheek, my dear son. Julia, do you notice a little hectic spot--a very small spot, just upon the cheek-bone?" Julia looked at her lord's leaden face. "No, I do not discover a spot, I cannot perceive a hectic spot--do you, papa?" "My dearest Julia, is it possible you cannot distinguish a little feverish appearance? I see it from this distance, with great uneasiness." "Now, papa, you shall judge between us. Do you see any appearance of spot or fever upon my lord's cheek?" Sir John put on his glasses with an air of grave solemnity. "Am I constituted judge in this matter?" "Oh, yes, papa, you shall declare the precise state of the matter," exclaimed Julia, laughingly. "No one must judge for _me_. No one can judge for a mother's quick eye," said the Countess, playfully, "but still in the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom; therefore, I should wish to hear Sir John's opinion." Sir John Wetheral examined Lord Ennismore's cheek with great command of countenance: there was no spot, or even the slightest tinge of colour; all was colourless, still, and heavy: dull, dismal, and disagreeable. "My good lord," he said, "I am pleased to join my daughter in her happy fearlessness; and still better pleased to be able to soothe her ladyship's apprehensions. I think there is nothing alarming in your cheek. Rather pale, but I can perceive no hectic tendency." Lord Ennismore turned anxiously towards his mother. Her eyes were fixed apprehensively upon him: he turned towards Julia; she was engaged with the merrythought of a chicken. He again turned to the Countess. "My dear mother, you are not satisfied with Sir John Wetheral's opinion: I see you think I am unwell, and you are always watching me, therefore, you understand my constitution better than any one can do. I don't think I am very well this morning. I could almost fancy my head was uncomfortable." "You never give way to fancy, my dear son, therefore, you are not well. I can read the expression of your poor heavy eyes this morning: I am very uneasy." The Countess rose with some perturbation from the breakfast-table. Lord Ennismore rose also. "Excuse me, Sir John Wetheral, excuse me, Miss Wetheral, if I appear abrupt in quitting your company. I will retire, if you please, this morning; I certainly feel very unwell, and a few hours quiet will be calming. Pray don't rise, Lady Ennismore; my mother will give me her assistance to my apartments; my dear mother, will you be so kind as to give me an audience?" Julia rose, and offered her arm to Lord Ennismore, but he again declined her assistance. The Countess approached with exultation in her looks and manner; but soft words were upon her lips.