234 
SICKNESS. 
the town and come trotting home by the sea- 
coast road as the red sun dips behind the 
horizon. 
It is by no means unusual for three or four of 
the family to be absent from table through sick- 
ness. 
“ Where is Henrique this morning ? ” 
“He stays in the verandah, madame ; a fever 
attack is coming on.” 
“Is Mademoiselle I unable to come to 
breakfast ? ” we would inquire. 
“ She is still so weak from yesterday’s fever 
that she cannot join us.” 
A servant is sent to tell Senhor Fontes that 
breakfast is now served. 
“ Senhor Fontes cannot come ; he has already 
strong fever.” 
As we sit in the verandah in the forenoon 
sewing or reading, one will suddenly utter a cry, 
and rise from her chair. A glance at the 
blanched face, blue lips, and bloodless fingers 
explains the cause ; and if the attack is slight 
the sufferer will rejoin us at dinner, feeble and 
pale, to sip a little chicken-broth. 
No one makes any fuss 'when another is pros- 
trate — it is the exception to be free ; but some- 
times attacks come with such severity that the 
