North spoke cheerfully, nor was he unduly anxious about Oscar at this juncture; but he knew enough of the fever to be aware that it ran a tedious course, and that Oscar had a long bout of sickness before him. He was half surprised himself how much he had missed the boy at the office and about the works the past two days, and how little he relished the thought that he must learn to do without him for some weeks to come. They had got into the way of walking to and fro in company, or working together in the evenings, and discussing together a great many plans with regard to the business itself and the people in the employ of the firm. “He has got this fever poking about amongst the work-people,” North mused to himself, “and it was my doing to a great extent that he took up with that. I ought to have been more careful, for we have been told often enough that the town is not healthy, and that a new drainage scheme is badly wanted. I suppose now we shall have something done. I only hope we are not in for a regular epidemic! Perhaps my father and I ought to have agitated more, but it was not exactly our business, and our hands always seem pretty full. Well, well, one must hope for the best, but I wish Oscar had not been one of the victims. He never seems to have much stamina. If it had been myself, I should soon have battled through.” North went down to the drawing-room, where there was a family discussion going on. “I don’t see that I am any good here,” Cyril was saying, “and you will want all the room you can get, with Sheila back and this nurse expected. So I’ll just go off straight to London, and take up my quarters there. I can really read better if it comes to that, and I shall be out of the way.” The mother was about to give an assent to this scheme. Cyril was very precious in her sight, and having one invalid already on her hands, she was naturally anxious about the rest. But she saw that North’s face looked hard and cold, and she glanced across towards her husband. Mr. Tom’s eyes were fixed upon the glowing fire; he seemed to be pondering deeply. “Raby has gone to the Bensons, you say?” “Yes, they sent for her immediately upon hearing the rumour of Oscar’s illness. Her room will be useful for the nurse; but as Ray and Sheila share Ray’s room, there is no need for Cyril to leave unless we think it better. Perhaps we should be more comfortable with fewer at home. There is always the chance of infection, whatever precautions we may take.” “Just so,” said Cyril, “and then I should only be another worry and bother. The London plan would be much the best. I suppose you would provide the funds, dad?” Cyril spoke with the ease and assurance of a favoured son. He was the only one who ever spoke to his father by that familiar title. Mr. Tom did not take his eyes from the fire. “You have your own allowance, and we have only reached half quarter yet. You must have plenty in hand.” Cyril coloured and then tried to laugh easily.