Chapter XVIII

Linda’s chill developed with alarming rapidity, and before another day was over the pneumonia with which Mrs. Johnson had threatened her had set in in earnest, and she was very ill indeed. The doctor came twice during the first day, and again at night; he looked grave, and talked of alarming symptoms and a weak constitution. “But she has always seemed so strong,” Mrs. Johnson protested in anxiety. The doctor shook his head. “Are you any relation to her?” he asked. “No—we are only friends.” “Has she a mother—father?…