'Has Ethel told you of our plan?' asked Dr. May of the sister.

'Yes,' she hesitated, in evident confusion and distress. 'You are
all very kind, but we must see what Henry says.'

'I have spoken to Henry! He answers for our patching Leonard up for
next week; and I have great faith in Dr. Neptune.'

Leonard's looks were as bright as Averil's were disturbed.

'Thank you, thank you very much! but can he possibly be well enough
for the journey?'

Leonard's eyes said 'I shall.'

'A week will do great things,' said Dr. May, 'and it is a very easy
journey--only four hours' railway, and a ten miles' drive.'

Averil's face was full of consternation; and Leonard leant forward
with hope dancing in his eyes.

'You know the place,' continued Dr. May, 'Coombe Hole. Quite fresh,
and unhackneyed. It is just where Devon and Dorset meet. I am not
sure in which county; but there's a fine beach, and beautiful
country. The Riverses found it out, and have been there every
autumn; besides sending their poor little girl and her governess down
when London gets too hot. Flora has written to the woman of the
lodgings she always has, and will lend them the maid she sends with
little Margaret; so they will be in clover.'