How do you think he is looking ?" George knew she was addicted to displaying a needless anxiety about her husband's health.

It had struck him that Herbert was getting stouter; but he now remembered having noticed a hint of care in his face.
"The rest will do him good," he said.
Mrs.Lansing's conversation was often disconnected, and she now changed the subject.
"Herbert tells me you are going to Canada.

As you're fond of the open air, you will enjoy it." "I suppose so," George assented rather dubiously.
"Of course, it's very generous, and Sylvia's fortunate in having you to look after things"-- Mrs.Lansing paused before adding--"but are you altogether wise in going, George ?" Lansing knew that his hostess loved romance, and sometimes attempted to assist in one, but he would have preferred another topic.
"I don't see what else I could do," he said.
"That's hardly an answer.

You will forgive me for speaking plainly, but what I meant was this--your devotion to Sylvia is not a secret." "I wish it were!" George retorted.

"But I don't intend to deny it." His companion looked at him reproachfully.
"Don't get restive; I've your best interests at heart.