Is
not it a very bad sign," he added, confidentially; for he was quite
won by the youth's kind, considerate way, and evident liking and
sympathy.
"I don't know," faltered Lord Fordham. "My brother Walter was like
that! Is this the little fellow who is Cecil's fag?"
"Yes; Jock asked him to take him, because he was sure never to bully
him or lick him when he wouldn't do things."
This not very lucid description rejoiced Lord Fordham.
"I am glad of that," he said. "But I hope the little boy will get
over this. My mother had a very excellent account of Dr. Medlicott's
skill; and you know an illness from a misadventure is not like
anything constitutional."
"No; but Armine is always delicate, and my aunt has had to take care
of him."
"Do you live with them?"
"O no; I have lots of people at home. I only came with them because
I had had these measles at Eton; and my aunt is-—well, the very
jolliest woman that ever was."
Lord Fordham smiled.
"Yes, indeed she is. I don't mean only kind and good-natured. But
if you just knew her! The whole world and everything else have just
been something new and glorious ever since I knew her. I seem to
myself to have lived in a dark hole till she made it all light."
"Ah! I understand that you would do anything for her.
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