"My uncle is really about the same. The
doctor thinks he may be able to get up in about a week."
"Is there any--specific disease?" he asked, hesitatingly.
"I think not," she answered. "I don't understand all that the doctor
says. It seems to me that all you men here lead such strenuous lives
that you have no time to be ill. You simply wait until you collapse."
"I'm afraid that's true, Miss Longworth," he said, "and if you will
forgive my saying so, I fancy you have been doing a little too much
yourself, worrying and looking after your uncle. Can't I tempt you out
for a little way in my automobile? It's a delightful afternoon."
She shook her head.
"You are very kind," she said, "but I seem to be the only person for
whom my uncle asks sometimes, and he is awake just now. I should not
like to be away."
"He is conscious, then?" Littleson asked.
"Perfectly," she answered.
"I suppose it is quite useless asking to see him?"
"Quite. The doctor would never allow it. He has to be kept absolutely
quiet, and free from excitement,"
"I hope," he said, "that he did not hear anything of the attempted
burglary the other night?"
Virginia smiled very faintly, and her dark eyes rested for a moment upon
his.
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