His
preference was based upon the fact that Ellen never scolded him, but was
always smiling and good tempered; besides she used to like to hear him
play, and this gave him additional zest in playing. The morning access
to the piano was indeed the one distinct advantage which the holidays had
in Ernest's eyes, for at school he could not get at a piano except quasi-
surreptitiously at the shop of Mr Pearsall, the music-seller.
On returning this midsummer he was shocked to find his favourite looking
pale and ill. All her good spirits had left her, the roses had fled from
her cheek, and she seemed on the point of going into a decline. She said
she was unhappy about her mother, whose health was failing, and was
afraid she was herself not long for this world. Christina, of course,
noticed the change. "I have often remarked," she said, "that those very
fresh-coloured, healthy-looking girls are the first to break up. I have
given her calomel and James's powders repeatedly, and though she does not
like it, I think I must show her to Dr Martin when he next comes here."
"Very well, my dear," said Theobald, and so next time Dr Martin came
Ellen was sent for.
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