How could she contradict him? If he found comfort in this thought would it not be cruel to put forward any doubts? So after a pause she answered: "Yes."
"You don't seem very sure about it," with as much "snap" in the words as his breath would allow.
"I should not be where I am now, but for you," she answered gently, and that answer seemed to please him.
Then in a little while: "I must see the books in the morning. I shall soon be able to pick up the threads. There's a country branch, isn't there?"
"Two."
"Ah, that's good; I gave you that idea." Another fit of coughing. "I shall soon be all right; it's only an extra cold I've got. I'll soon be able to take the reins, and then——" But he was too weak to finish the sentence.
Early in the morning Phebe went to break the news to Jack. He was sitting up in bed rubbing his eyes. She sat down by his side putting her arm round his neck, bringing his sunny head to nestle on her shoulder.
"Jack, darling, I've something very particular to tell you."
"Have you, mummy? What is it? Has Janie got a sweetheart?"
"No, it is something very serious. You must not joke."