Franz, having complied with the suggestion, said: “You know that Margaret is ill?”
“I knew she had a cold. I hope it's not serious.”
“Her physician advises that she spend the remainder of the winter in the South. This she will do as soon as she recovers sufficiently.”
Again Philip nodded.
“It's very unexpected, isn't it? I should consider it risky.”
“She is not to go alone.”
“Oh, I presume Mrs. Perkins is to go with her?”
“It would not be paying much of a compliment to your intelligence if I thought to surprise you by saying that I love Margaret.”
“Precious little,” Philip admitted laconically.
“Well, I shall surprise you. We are to be married immediately. The situation is so grave as to permit of no delay. Her health and the probable reappearance of her brother make it necessary.”