I am never ill." He pushed aside his papers, and sat with his elbow on the desk and his head leaning on his hand, waiting for Gilbert to talk.

He was evidently in one of those silent moods which were common to him at times.
Gilbert told him of his Melbourne troubles, and of his immediate departure.

The announcement roused him from his absent humour.

He dropped his arm from the table suddenly, and sat looking full at Gilbert with a very intent expression.
"This is strange news," he said, "and it will cause the postponement of your marriage, I suppose ?" "Unhappily, yes; that is unavoidable.

Hard lines, isn't it, Jack ?" "Well, yes; I daresay the separation seems rather a hardship; but you are young enough to stand a few months' delay.