"I shan't now I've got you," she whispered, clinging to him. "I've missed you--horribly, dear."
"I thought you would," said Bunny with complacence. "I missed you too at first. When they gave me that beastly massage, I used to howl for you."
"Was it so terribly bad?" she murmured, holding him faster.
"It was--unspeakable," said Bunny. "I shouldn't have stuck to it if you'd been there. As it was,--well, I couldn't help myself. But they were awfully kind too. No one ever pitched into me for behaving badly. They all seemed to take it for granted that I should. And when I began to get better, they were so jolly encouraging. But I'd rather be flogged every day for a year," ended Bunny, "than go through it all again."
"Dr. Capper didn't tell me it would be so bad," said Maud.
"No. Capper's a deep one. He didn't tell me either. He laughs about it now," said Bunny, "and says the end has fully justified the means. He's rather a card, but he's a fine chap. He is coming to see us before he leaves England. I made him promise. He'll be off before the end of August." Bunny stretched himself luxuriously. "How's the mother getting on?" he enquired.
"I haven't seen her for quite a long time. I believe she is very busy," Maud said. "They have discharged some of the servants at 'The Anchor.' I don't believe it answers. She was looking rather worried the last time we met. But she didn't tell me anything, except that times were bad."
"They always are with some people," said Bunny. "I suppose Jake is quite prosperous, is he?"
"Oh, quite, I think," she said in surprise. "Of course he is Charlie's paid man. Why do you ask?"
"He looks a bit bothered," said Bunny. "P'raps it isn't that though. Come along! Let's go upstairs!"