'You seem, dear Countess, to have been very ill. You look terribly fragile and white.'
'I have been unwell——'
'More than unwell—ill; dangerously ill?'
'Yes; my head was bad. I did not know anything or any person for several days.'
'I fear these wretched troubles have been the cause. O that I could have been near to give advice and protection; but important business—military, of course—called me to Exeter, and when I returned to Trecarrel, I was prostrated by a nervous attack for a week. I fear you have been embarrassed for money, but now, I understand, matters are settled agreeably.'
'We are not troubled about money matters any more, nor likely to be so.'
'I trust not.'
'Because, if you were, I would say, command me. I am not a rich man, but still, bless my soul, I can help a friend at a pinch, and am proud to do so.'
'There is no occasion, Captain Trecarrel. All fear of pecuniary embarrassment is at an end.'
'I hear everything at Dolbeare was bought by you.'