At least, your friends wouldn't think so." "What was it about ?" "We'll talk about that later, if you like," said the doctor.

"Now I want you to get up a bit after you've had some food." * * * * * It was with a very strange sensation that Frank found himself out in the garden next day, in a sheltered corner, seated in a wicker chair in which, by the help of bamboo poles, he had been carried downstairs by Thomas and the Major, with the doctor leading the way and giving directions as to how to turn the corners.

The chair was brought out through an irregularly-shaped little court at the back of the house and set down in the warm autumn noon, against an old wall, with a big kitchen garden, terribly neglected, spread before him.

The smoke of burning went up in the middle distance, denoting the heap of weeds pulled by the Major and Gertie during the last three days.

He saw Gertie in the distance once or twice, in a clean sun-bonnet, going about her business, but she made no sign.