“The tidal train was earlier than I expected, so I have another half-day.”
“Well! are you all well?”
“Quite well. Why—how you are grown! I thought it was Rob when you passed my window,” said his father.
“So did I at first,” added Jessie, “but Rob is much broader.”
“Yes,” said his mother. “I am glad you are come back, Johnny; you look thin and pale. Sit down. Some mutton or some rabbit-pie? No, no, let Jessie help you; you shan’t have all the carving; I’m sure you are tired; you don’t look at all well.”
“I was crossing all night, you know,” said Johnny laughing, “and am as hungry as a hunter, that’s all. What a blessing to see a nice clean English potato again without any flummery!”
“Ah! I thought so,” said his mother; “they didn’t know how to feed you. It was an unfortunate business altogether.”
“How did you leave those poor boys, Johnny?” asked his father.
“Better,” said Johnny. “Jock is nearly well,—will be quite so after the baths; and Armine is getting better. He sat up for an hour the day before I came away.”
“And your aunt?” said his father.