Jan ran his eyes over the note; feeling himself probably in somewhat of a dilemma as to how much or how little it might be expedient to explain.
"He thought some travelling might be beneficial to his health," said Jan. "He has got a rare good post as travelling doctor to some young chap of quality."
Miss Deborah was looking very hard at Jan. Something seemed to be on her mind; some great fear. "He says he may not be back for ever so long to come, Mr. Jan."
"So he told me," said Jan.
"And is that the reason he took you into partnership, Mr. Jan?"
"Yes," said Jan. "Couldn't leave an assistant for an indefinite period."
"You will never be able to do it all yourself. I little thought, when all this bustle and changing of bedrooms was going on, what was up. You might have told me, Mr. Jan," she added, in a reproachful tone.
"It wasn't my place to tell you," returned Jan. "It was the doctor's."
Miss Deborah looked timidly round, and then sunk her voice to a lower whisper. "Mr. Jan, why has he gone away?"
"For his health," persisted Jan.