"I would rather leave it to you," said the doctor, with a little rueful smile. "You manage her better than we do."
And so it came to pass that, two or three weeks later, Rowena got her chance; and when Mrs. Burke said impatiently that, if the doctor could not cure her quicker she would go up to town for special treatment, she answered her.
"I wonder if you realize how very, very ill you have been?"
"I should think I do. They say I never do things by halves; and I've never been ill in my life before, so I have done the job pretty thoroughly now!"
"Rheumatic fever generally leaves its effects behind," Rowena went on. "I am afraid you will be no exception to the rule."
"What do you mean?"
Real fright showed itself in Mrs. Burke's eyes.
Rowena leant forward and took one of her poor swollen hands in hers.
"You have never shirked difficulties, or even danger, have you? Can you be brave if I tell you what every doctor would fear in your case?"
"Go on. For goodness' sake don't beat about the bush."