"And I don't expect you will be, while you are up here. You want change of air to set you up."
"I must get well as soon as possible," he said, with a very determined look.
"You must not be in too great a hurry. People want a great deal of patching up after an illness like yours."
"I must be at work!" said Raymond.
"Yes, when you are well. What is the cause of this extreme impatience? You were quite content yesterday to lie back in your chair and let Madge nurse you and pet you to her heart's content."
Raymond answered by holding out his father's letter. Mr. Smith read it silently. He made no remark when he had finished it, but handed it back to the boy.
"And now, sir, what are we to do?"
"Get well and strong, my dear boy, in the first place."
"But about the shop, sir? My father said the place was ready, and I could take it."
"You are not fit for it at present."