'I hope you are rested,' she said.
'A good deal, thank you;' then, after a pause, 'Did I tell you that Lance has quite recovered his voice?'
'I am glad; I have never heard him.'
'You must, then. Cherry shall manage it next time he comes home. He has been kept much too close this summer, but we must make a different arrangement.'
'Not your changing places!' cried Gertrude, 'you don't look fit!'
'I am afraid not,' he answered with weary acquiescence. 'Your father and brother have been overhauling me, and I believe my effective days are over for some time.'
'Oh!' she started, and said in an imploring tone, 'Cherry said the sprain was almost gone.'
'The sprain is,' said Felix, 'but there's something beyond. It may go on for some time, but the result is very doubtful.'
She rested her chin on her hand, her eyes dilated by the shock.
'So, you see,' he proceeded, 'I am anxious to lose no time in getting matters into order, both as regards Vale Leston and Bexley.'