"We got here on Tuesday evening, and saw your names; but then
the fog came, and it snowed all yesterday, and the doctor said it
would not do for Fordham to go so high. And the more I wanted them
to come up with you, the more they would not. Were they out in that
snow?"
Here came an order from the doctor not to make his friend talk, and
Johnny was glad to obey, and reserve his breath for the explanation.
He did not hear what passed between the other two, as they walked
behind the carriage.
"A fine fellow that! Is he Cecil's friend?"
"No, I wish he were. However, it can't be helped now, in common
humanity; and my mother will understand."
"You mean that it was her wish that we should avoid them."
"She thinks the influence has not been good for Cecil."
"That was the reason you gave up the Gemmi so easily."
"It was. But, as I say, it can't be helped now, and no harm can be
done by going to see whether they are really so ill."
"Brownlow is the name. I wonder if they are any relation to a man I
once knew—-a lecturer at one of the hospitals?"
"Not likely. These are very rich people, with a great house in Hyde
Park regions, and a place in the country. They are always asking
Cecil there; only my mother does not fancy it. It is not a matter of
charity after the first stress.
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