"People will talk, you know; and rumour has it that Lord Hartledon has found attractions in his own home, whilst the Rectory was debarred to him." Val wheeled round on his heel, and walked away in displeasure.

Home truths are never palatable.

But the kindly disposition of the man resumed its sway immediately: he turned back, and pointed to the shed.
"Is that interesting patient of yours on his legs again ?" "He is getting better.

The disease attacked him fiercely and was unusually prolonged.

It's strange he should have been the only one to take it." "Gum's wife has been nursing him, I hear ?" "She has gone in and out to do such necessary offices as the sick require.