“Nothing,” said William indignantly. “It’s not that sort of not well. It’s quite diff’rent.”
“What sort is it?”
“It’s nuffin’—not jus’ now. I’m all right jus’ now.”
They walked in silence till they had left the road behind and had turned off to the long country road that led to William’s house. Then, slowly and deliberately, still clasping his burden of parcels, William sat down on the ground.
“I can’t walk any more, Ethel,” he said, turning his healthy countenance up to her. “I’m took ill sudden.”
She looked down at him impatiently.
“Don’t be absurd, William,” she said. “Get up.”
“I’m not absurd,” he said firmly. “I’m took ill.”
“All over,” he said guardedly.