"I promised to call on your friend in the cottage. Will you go with me?"
"Not I. I can fill up my time more agreeably. You will find it awfully stupid."
"Very likely; but I like to keep my promises."
"The landlord's going to ride to Hyacinth, about ten miles away, on business. He's invited me to ride with him. I wish there were room in the sleigh for you."
"I can put that off till another time. I hope you will have a pleasant ride."
"It will fill up the time, anyway."
"Have you any message to your partner?" asked Fred, as he stood ready to start on his walk.
"No. Tell him to get well as fast as he can, so that we can get away from this beastly place. That's all."
James Sinclair was lying on the bed with a look of weariness on his face when Fred pushed open the outer door and entered.
Sinclair's face brightened up.