Mr. Mason was aghast at first.
"He is so young now, and the injury may not be as bad as I anticipated; but it will need excellent skill to take him through without leaving permanent marks and much suffering. So it had better be attended to at once."
Jaqueline was alarmed at the seriousness of the case. If she could go—
"No; it must be some person of experience, and one whom Charles loves and trusts and would obey. He will make a good patient, for he is anxious to get well; and though he does not whisper such a thing, he has an awful fear of deformity—"
"Oh, you do not think—" in a tremulous tone.
"Hush! I have mentioned it to no one but your parents. It is not to be discussed. It is a spinal trouble, and that covers the ground. And he must have immediate care. You and Annis will come with us, for it would be too lonely to have you here on the plantation, even if your father is back and forth."
Mrs. Mason discussed the plans with Jaqueline at once, and the girl was full of the warmest sympathy.
"If we could take Annis! but the doctor thinks it would be bad for the child, and an added care."
"Oh, mamma, you may trust her with me! I am not as gay and volatile as I was a year ago, nor so frivolous."
"She ought to go to school! Perhaps in the fall—"