"The long and short of it is that I must give up society engagements and all excitements of that kind, and lead a very quiet life. I ought to go to some quiet place away from people, with someone with me whom I care for and who cares for me. That was the gist of his prescription. Of course I have a special dietary and medicine to take, but that's only incidental!"
Her voice held a pathetic braveness, and Rivière was touched by it.
"I'm awfully sorry," he murmured.
"It's hard on me, to give up all that."
"I know."
"It's meant a big fight with myself. Look at me—you can see it in my face. I'm looking a wreck."
"The kind of life you've been leading would crack up any constitution. I'm glad you've taken advice in time."
"It was the turning-point for me."
"Where are you going for your rest-cure?"
"Isn't that for you to decide, Clifford dear?"