‘Guileless and unconscious of evil, poor child!’ thought the brother; ‘but I wonder how Arthur likes the news.’
Arthur entered, a fine-looking young man, of three-and-twenty, dark, bright complexioned, tall, and robust. He showed not the least consciousness of having offended, and his bride smiled freely as if at rest from all embarrassment now that she had her protector.
‘Well, John,’ was his greeting, warmly spoken. ‘You here? You look better. How is the cough?’
‘Better, thank you.’
‘I see I need not introduce you,’ said Arthur, laying his hand on the arm of his blushing Violet, who shrank up to him as he gave a short laugh. ‘Have you been here long?’
‘Only about five minutes.’
‘And you are come to stay?’
‘Thank you, if you can take me in for a day or two.’
‘That we can. There is a tolerable spare room, and James will find a place for Brown. I am glad to see you looking so much better. Have you got rid of the pain in your side?’
‘Entirely, thank you, for the last few weeks.’