As he entered the room, she tried to rise to greet him, but she sank back on her cushions.
George's eyes scanned her professionally.
"Not any better today? I expected decided improvement."
Going to the couch, he took her hand gently and held it up for inspection.
"A nice shadow of a hand, is it not, Mr. Hester?" he asked, smiling.
"A hand that was once plump and fair," replied Howard, trying to be jocular. "I'm just telling Edith she must go away and live in fresh air and sunshine. What say you?"
"Yes," replied Cadman grimly; "But she needs something more than fresh air and sunshine."
"She has but to ask, and it is hers," said Howard; his spirits rising at the possibility of an unpleasant situation being removed.
"That is a greater privilege than most possess," returned George quietly. Then he turned brightly to Edith.
"And what would our little patient like most?"