"I didn't know there was anything the matter with him."
"He had to hasten up to London for a change of air."
"I hope it did him good," she said indifferently.
"My dear girl, have you no wish to hurry to his bedside?"
"I'm afraid I shouldn't be any good if I did."
"And you wouldn't find him in bed, either," smiled Mr. Walkingshaw, with a change of manner. "No, no, Ellen; you needn't pretend you're in love with Andrew if that's all the concern you feel. And I may tell you at once that he's as tough as ever, and as great a fool. The fellow is totally unworthy of you, so don't you worry your head about him any longer."
He bent over her confidentially.
"Supposing some one were to cut him out, eh?"
"Some one—" she stammered. "Who?"