"He is not dead."
A swift glance showed Mrs. Stoddart that Annette was greatly surprised.
"How is he?" she asked after a moment. "Did he really get well again? I thought it was not possible."
"It was not."
"Then he is not riding again yet?"
"No. I am afraid he will never ride again."
"Then his back was really injured, after all?"
"Yes. It was spinal paralysis."
"He did enjoy life so," said Annette. "Poor Dick!"