‘I go back when they can take the boy to church. Is my mother in the drawing-room? I’ll just speak to her, and dress—it is late I see.’
‘How well he seems,’ said Lord Martindale, as John walked quickly on before.
‘There was a cough,’ said Theodora.
‘Yes; but so cheerful. I have not seen him so animated for years. He must be better!’
His mother was full of delight. ‘My dear John, you look so much better! Where have you been?’
‘At Rickworth. I went to give Lady Elizabeth an account of Violet. She is much better.’
‘And you have been after sunset in that river fog! My dear John!’
‘There was no fog; and it was a most pleasant drive. I had no idea Rickworth was so pretty. Violet desired me to thank you for your kind messages. You should see her to-day, mother; she would be quite a study for you; she looks so pretty on her pillows, poor thing! and Arthur is come out quite a new character—as an excellent nurse.’
‘Poor thing! I am glad she is recovering,’ said Lady Martindale. ‘It was very kind in you to stay with Arthur. I only hope you have not been hurting yourself.’
‘No, thank you; I came away in time, I believe: but I should have been glad to have stayed on, unless I made room for some one of more use to Violet.’