CHAPTER IX.
BY MERE RIVER.
Brother Bonaday's heart-attacks, sharp while they lasted, were soon over. Towards evening he had so far recovered that the Nurse saw no harm in his taking a short stroll, with Brother Copas for socius.
The two old men made their way down to the river as usual, and there Brother Copas forced his friend to sit and rest on a bench beside the clear-running water.
"We had better not talk," he suggested, "but just sit quiet and let the fresh air do you good."
"But I wish to talk. I am quite strong enough."
"Talk about what?"
"About the child.… We must be getting her educated, I suppose."
"Why?"