John turned his sentence rather differently for him, and went on with it. "But you feel that I am perfectly entitled to give you my opinion?"
"Certainly."
"I advise that you leave it for a county hospital."
"John!"
"Unconditionally and for ever, for," John went on calmly and almost gently, "we are here a very long way from the county town, where the only hospital worth anything is situated. This house has, on two stories, a corridor running completely through it, and is otherwise so built that it would require little alteration for such a purpose. The revenue from the land would go a good way towards supporting it. Therefore, as I said before—" Then pausing, when he observed the effect of his words on Valentine, he hesitated, and instead of going on, said, "I am very sorry, my dear Valentine."
"This is a shock to me," said Valentine. "It shows me so plainly that you would not have acted as I have done, if you had been in my place."
As he seemed to wait for an answer, John said, with more decided gentleness, "I suppose it does;" and went on in a tone half apology, half persuasion, "But you will see your lawyer to-morrow, and, using all discretion, direct him as I propose."
"Yes. Nothing at all is to go to you then?"
"I should like to have this portrait of your father; and, Val, I wish to assure you most sincerely that I do not judge your conduct. I have no opinion to give upon it."
"I have a good right to tell you now, that I have for some months fully intended to give up the place."