"Father," she said anxiously, "Lady Kitson told us that you were not at all well.
Aren't you ?" She had unconsciously expected, or at least hoped for, a prompt and strong reassurance; but her father did not answer for a moment, and then but half-heartedly.

"I haven't been quite up to the mark," he said quietly, "but," looking round and seeing the anxiety on her face, "it is nothing to worry about, dear.

I would have told you if it had been.
I am rather overworked and tired, that is all.

It has been a very heavy winter of illness and anxiety.

I shall be better now the spring has come, and I have you all home to liven me up.