'I can't, dear; he wished to tell you himself. I promised him I wouldn't.'
'But is there something wrong—something really wrong?'
Judy nodded.
'Where is he?'
'Down at Brighton with his mother.'
'Judy, you must tell me,' said her sister; 'it is merely saving me a couple of hours of horrid anxiety. I shall go down to see him this afternoon. Now, what is it? Is it lungs? I will tell Charlie I forced you to tell me.'
'There is no use in my not answering you,' said Judy.
'Yes, it is that.'
'Serious?'
'Consumption is always serious.'