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ng; but it saves a post to take the letters before twelve, and he ought to be out as much as he can.'
'Is he here on his own account, or yours?'
'He came down first, before I was ill. It was bother and overwork and a cough. Everything always does come to worry him, whenever he ought to have rest or pleasure.' And Lance who was thoroughly weary and dispirited, was nearly ready to cry.
'Even when he goes out for a picnic, young ladies must needs drown themselves!'
This made Lance smile; but he added, with a quivering lip, 'He would not go to bed till I could go to sleep last night, and that was not till past two, and he looks quite done up this morning.'
'Is any one attending you?'
'Dr. Manby did at Minsterham--nobody here.'
'What's been amiss with you--fever?'
'Plenty of fever, but it was from sun-stroke.'
'Ah! you boys have thinner skulls than we used to have! How long ago?'
'Seven weeks yesterday,' said Lance, wearily.
'And you are sadly weary of weakness?'
'I don't mind that so much;' and the kindness of face, voice, and gesture made the poor boy's eyes overflow; 'but I'm no good, and I can't tell whether I ever shall be again!'
'It is a great deal too soon to trouble yourself about that.'
'That's what they all tell me!' cried Lance impatiently, and the tears rushed forth again. 'Manby only laughs, and tells me I shall be a Solon yet if I don't vex myself; and how can I tell whether he means it?'
'Well, dear boy, have it all out; I promise to mean whatever I say.'
'You are a doctor then, Sir?'
'What!' the boy doesn't know me, as sure as my name's Dick May!'
'Oh!' cried Lance, 'that was what I heard Felix saying to Captain Audley--that he did so wish Dr. May could look at me!'
'That's all right, then. Come, then, what is weighing on you-- weakness?'
'Just not weakness,' said Lance. 'I didn't care so much when I could scarcely get about; but now I can walk