Lady Verner's illness had commenced near the latter end of April, and it was growing towards the end of June before she began to get better, or would give Lionel leave to depart.

Jan, plain-speaking, truth-telling Jan, had at length quietly told his mother that there was nothing the matter with her but "vexing and temper." Lady Verner went into hysterics at Jan's unfilial conduct; but, certain it was, from that very time she began to amend.

July came in, and Lionel was permitted to fix the day for his departure.
Lionel was walking down Clay Lane.

It was a short cut to Lord Elmsley's house over the hills, a mile or two distant.

Not a very suitable day for a walk.