Watersprings by A.C. Benson — Read

They were suddenly interrupted by the inrush of the Vicar. "Maud," he said with immense zest, "I find old Mrs. Darby very ill she had a kind of faint while I was there. I have sent off Bob post haste for Dr. Grierson." The Vicar was evidently in the highest spirits, like a general on the eve of a great battle. "There isn't a moment to be lost," he continued, his eye blazing with energy. "Howard, my dear fellow, I fear our walk must be put off. I must go back at once. There she lies, flat on her back, just where I laid her! I believe," said the Vicar, "it's a touch of syncope. She is blue, decidedly blue! I charged them to do nothing, but if I don't get back, there's no knowing what they won't pour down her throat decoction of pennyroyal, I dare say; and if the woman coughs, she is lost. This is the sort of thing I enjoy of course it is very sad but it is a tussle with death.

I know a good deal about medicine, and Grierson has more than once complimented me on my diagnosis he said it was masterly forgive a touch of vanity! But you mustn't lose your walk. Maud, dear, you take Howard out I am sure he won't mind for once. You could walk round the village, or you could go and find Jack. Now then, back to my post! You must forgive me, Howard, but my flock are paramount."