Old Principle disappeared, and Dudley soothed and comforted by his sympathy, retraced his steps to the house.
Meanwhile Miss Bertram had been going through the trying ordeal of breaking the news to the little invalid.
Roy was lying in bed, flushed and restless. His eyes looked unnaturally large and bright, as he met his aunt's anxious gaze.
"I'm so tired of pain, Aunt Judy, and I can't get to sleep."
Miss Bertram sat down and smiled her brightest smile.
Taking his thin little hand in hers she said tenderly,
"Yes, dear, you've been a brave little patient, but I hope you won't have much more to bear. You would like to be free from it, wouldn't you?"
"Am I going to die?"
"We hope you're going to get quite well again, if God wills, and if you will be a good boy and let the doctor cure you."
Roy's eyes were fixed intently on his aunt now.