"I don't rightly know, sir. But he won't be back this week, I don't think."
"Perhaps," stammered Alfred, "the ladies--Mrs. Dodd--might be able to tell me."
"Oh yes, sir. But my mistress, she's in London just now."
Alfred's eyes flashed. "Could I learn from Miss Dodd?"
"La, sir, she is in London along with her ma; why, 'tis for her they are gone; to insult the great doctors."
He started. "She is not ill? Nothing serious?"
"Well, sir, we do hope not. She is pinning a bit, as young ladies will."
Alfred was anything but consoled by this off-hand account; he became alarmed, and looked wretched. Seeming him so perturbed, Sarah, who was blunt but good-natured, added, "But cook she says hard work would cure our Miss of all _she_ ails. But who shall I say was asking? For my work is a bit behind-hand."
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