"No," said Guy; and then he added, while his lips grew a little white, "I want to be told how to deal with the effects of it so that the remedy mayn't be worse than the thing itself. No one can help me as to the cause." "Ah!" said the doctor, thoughtfully. Then he gave various directions as to avoiding fatigue, worry, or excitement. A winter abroad would be good, change of scene and occupation. There was no serious mischief at work at present; but there was need of great care and consideration. And with a gravity showing that he understood one part of the matter, severe restrictions were laid on the use of brandy and everything analogous to it, and other prescriptions substituted. "Mr Waynflete mustn't be alarmed about himself; care for a year or two would make all the difference. He would grow stronger, and the nervous strain would lessen in proportion." Guy looked back at him, but said nothing; and as he took leave, Cuthbert remained for a minute or two. "That young fellow is a good deal out of health," said the doctor. "Hasn't he a mother or any one to look after him?" "Not a soul capable, except me," said Staunton. "I'm going to do it as well as I can, and he will let me." "Well, remember this: whether he can avoid nervous shocks or no, _he must not have them_. And he can't be too much afraid of the brandy. Get him out of whatever oppresses him. It's the only plan. The heart is weak, and the brain--excitable." "Should you like a spell abroad?" said Staunton, as they sat at luncheon at his club. "I could not go," said Guy. "That would mean giving up having any concern with the business. And I haven't enough money." "But if Mrs Waynflete knew that it was a matter of health--You must really let your friends know that you have to be careful." It was a new idea to Guy that the effects of his attacks were of importance in themselves, and naturally an unwelcome one. He looked rather obstinate, and went on eating his salad. After a minute or two, he said-- "I will do what I come to think is right. No one else can quite know." "No; but don't you see, my dear boy, that whatever strengthens your constitution altogether will help you to--to--contend with your trouble--and make it less likely to attack you?" "Yes," said Guy, slowly. "What other people say does help one to think." "Well, there's no hurry to decide," said Cuthbert. "You still think you would like to go down to-night? Certainly, there isn't much on at present here. What shall we do this afternoon?" A friend of Staunton's here turned up and pressed on their acceptance some tickets for a morning performance of Hamlet, in which he was interested. "Should you like to go, Guy?" said Cuthbert; "there would be plenty of time to dine afterwards, and get our train."