"He said—I didn't realize how difficult it would be to tell you when he said it—but he said—"
Again she stopped.
"I shall evidently have to go and ask him what he wants," I said, moving toward the house.
"No, no, dear! I will tell you! Don't go near him!" pleaded Mrs. Jimmie. "That is just what he doesn't want. He said on no account were you to come near him."
She paused with a gasp. Evidently she expected me to burst into tears.
"The brute!" I remarked, pleasantly. "I hope he is suffering!"
Mrs. Jimmie's beautiful face became instantly grave.
"He is suffering, Faith," she said, quietly.
"Then why won't he see me? Perhaps I could do something. Aubrey always lets me try. Has he a headache?"
"He has a splitting headache, he says, and a high fever, and his collar hurts him."