'Richard? That's right! Here's a tea-cup waiting for you, ' as the almost thirty-year-old Incumbent of Cocksmoor, still looking like a young deacon, entered the room with his quiet step, and silent greeting to its four inmates. 'Thank you, Ethel. Is papa gone out?' 'I have not seen him since dinner-time. You said he was gone out with Dr. Spencer, Aubrey?' 'Yes, I heard Dr. Spencer's voice-"I say, Dick"-like three notes of consternation, ' said Aubrey; 'and off they went. I fancy there's some illness about in the Lower Pond Buildings, that Dr. Spencer has been raging so long to get drained.' 'The knell has been ringing for a little child there, ' added Mary; 'scarlatina, I believe-'