"How is Great-Aunt Jane?" she said.
"Sinking," said Uncle John in a voice of deepest gloom. "Sinking fast—sinking fast."
William's expression grew animated.
"Where is she?" he said. "Is she out in the sea?"
"Little boys," said Uncle John still gloomily, "should be seen and not heard."
At this point the nurse entered.
"She can see the little boy now," she said, "if he's come."
"Let the dear children go together," suggested Aunt Lucy.
"Excellent," said Uncle John in his hushed, sepulchral voice. "Excellent—together."
William and Francis went upstairs behind the nurse.