But I came now to tell you he is asking for you.

Will you come and see him ?" Jeffreys followed the father gratefully to the sick-chamber.

At the door he encountered Mrs Rimbolt, who, having evidently been present at the boy's narrative, was pleased to regard him almost graciously, and, delightfully ignoring the previous encounter, to wish him good morning.
Percy looked hot and feverish, but brightened up at once as he caught sight of his protector.
"Hullo, old Jeff," said he, "isn't this all nonsense?
They say I'm in for a mild congestion, and shall have to stick in bed for a fortnight.
Just sit down; do you mind, and stay with me.

You've pulled me through so far; you may as well finish the job." Thus informally, and without consulting anybody, Jeffreys was constituted nurse-in-chief in the sick-chamber.

The boy would tolerate no discussion or protest on the part of the authorities.