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Letter, Arthur Holmwood to Dr. Seward.

"Albemarle Hotel, 31 August.

"My dear Jack,-

"I want you to do me a favour. Lucy is ill; that is, she has no
special disease, but she looks awful, and is getting worse every
day. I have asked her if there is any cause; I do not dare to ask
her mother, for to disturb the poor lady's mind about her daughter
in her present state of health would be fatal. Mrs. Westenra has
confided to me that her doom is spoken- disease of the heart- though
poor Lucy does not know it yet. I am sure that there is something
preying on my dear girl's mind: I am almost distracted when I think of
her; to look at her gives me a pang. I told her I should ask you to
see her, and though she demurred at first- I know why, old fellow- she
finally consented. It will be a painful task for you, I know, old
friend, but it is for her sake, and I must not hesitate to ask, or you
to act. You are to come to lunch at Hillingham to-morrow, two o'clock,
so as not to arose any suspicion in Mrs. Westenra, and after lunch
Lucy will take an opportunity of being alone with you. I shall come in
for tea, and we can go away together; I am filled with anxiety, and
want to consult with you alone as soon as I can after you have seen
her. Do not fail!

"Arthur."

Telegram, Arthur Holmwood to Seward.

"1 September.

"Am summoned to see my father, who is worse. Am writing. Write me
fully by to-night's post to Ring. Wire me if necessary."

Letter from Dr. Seward to Arthur Holmwood.

"2 September.

"My dear old fellow,-

"With regard to Miss Westenra's health I hasten to let you know at
once that in my opinion there is not any functional disturbance or any
malady that I know of. At the same time, I am not by any means
satisfied with her appearance; she is woefully different from what she
was when I saw her last. Of course you must bear in mind that I did
not have full opportunity of examination such as I should wish; our
very friendship makes a little difficulty which not even medical
science or custom can bridge over. I had better tell you exactly
what happened, leaving you to draw, in a measure, your own
conclusions. I shall then say what I have done and propose doing.