"Don't apologize."
"Oh! but I must," said Alfred, laughing. "You apologized for riding my horse to victory, don't you remember?"
"Have I been ill long?"
"About ten days—but don't excite yourself. The doctor says you'll be out in a week, if you keep quiet."
"Thanks. I'll be quiet. Who has been nursing me?"
"I am not at liberty to tell you."
"Was it your sister? I thought I saw—"
"Ask her yourself," interrupted Alfred Van Hoosen. "I must leave you now, as it is strictly against orders to talk to you. The nurse will bring up your beef tea in a few minutes; be good to yourself."
"One moment. Did you get the cup?"
"The steeple-chase cup? Yes, indeed. It adorns the family mahogany down-stairs, and mother is really proud of it. Good-by."