The sight of her balled up like that worried him more than the vomiting had. It reminded him of patients in the asylum. Of the fresh patient he had delivered there. He did not want to see Pippa go down the same path. So concerned with her was he, that he did not notice the trunk.

"No, Pippa. I'll bring up some water and soap so you can clean yourself up. Then you'll come down to the practice and I'll look you over. You're not well. I'll get one of the women from the yard to clean up here." Not waiting for an answer, he went downstairs and returned a few minutes later with a jug and washbowl with hot water, a towel and some soap. He was waiting on the servant now, he reflected as he walked up the stairs. How had it come to this.

But he showed no irritation as he returned to the attic room. He put the things near the entrance, reluctant to enter the ill-reeking place. "Have you got something clean to put on?"