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Yet he
knocked timidly; his heart beat almost as hard as his hand.
Sarah, the black-eyed housemaid, "answered the door."
"Mr. Edward Dodd?"
"Not at home, sir. Left last week."
"For long?"
"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."
Alfred took the hint reluctantly, and drew out his card-case, saying,
"For Mr.


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