"She will soon be on her legs again." His words were deliberately wary.

Avery felt a little tremor of apprehension go through her.
"I'm afraid you don't consider her very strong," she said uneasily.
He did not at once reply.

She had a feeling that he was debating within himself as to the advisability of replying at all.

And then quite suddenly he turned his head and spoke.

"Mrs.Denys, you are accustomed to hearing other people's burdens, so I may as well tell you the truth.