“You must excuse him, uncle. He had a headache, and I sent him on an excursion.”
The old man leaned back in apparent disappointment.
“I am sorry,” he said feebly. “The sight of him with youth, and his bright face, cheered me up. I wished to see him again.”
“I am really very sorry, uncle.”
“Don’t you think he will come by and by?”
“He may. If he gets rid of his headache.”
“I don’t know why it was that we thought him dead. Basil thought so.”
“Such unfounded rumors get currency, uncle; I should not have been surprised if I had been reported dead.”
“I hope that will not be for a long time. You look very well.”
“Yes, I am in excellent health, I am glad to say. By the way, where is Basil?”