R. H.
IV
From the “Herefordshire Post”
We regret to state that Miss Verena Raby of Old Place, Kington, who is so well known as the Lady Bountiful of the neighbourhood, has met with a serious accident through falling on the ice and sustained spinal injuries which may confine her to her room for several months. Every one will wish her a speedy recovery.
V
Nesta Rossiter to Richard Haven
Dear “Uncle” Richard,—I got here this afternoon and found Aunt Verena very still and white and pathetic, but the doctor is cheerful and a London swell, a friend of his—Sir Smithfield Mark—is expected to-morrow. Mrs. Carlyon, who lives in that big house near the church, on the Llandrindod road, has been kindness itself. I have come prepared to stay for a considerable time. Fred has promised not to go away just yet and fortunately we have a very good nurse. A little later perhaps Lobbie, my second, will come to me here; it depends on how quiet Aunt Verena has to be kept.
Now for the answers to your questions, which Mrs. Carlyon has handed over to me:—
(a) She can use her hands but is not permitted to do anything tiring, such as writing.
(b) She has to lie too flat to be able to hold a book with any comfort for more than a very short while.