times: only I thought you would find it dull.'

'Not at all. I can't go yet though, even if you do get me an
invitation; for the ---- Company want me to go to the ----
Valley, and look over the ground a bit for them, to see if it
would do for a branch line; it's a job which may take me away for
some time; but I shall be backwards and forwards, and you're
quite up to doing what is needed in my absence; the only work
that may be beyond you is keeping old Jevons from drinking.' He
went on giving me directions about the management of the men
employed on the line, and no more was said then, or for several
months, about his going to Rope Farm. He went off into ----
Valley, a dark overshadowed dale, where the sun seemed to set
behind the hills before four o'clock on midsummer afternoon.
Perhaps it was this that brought on the attack of low fever which
he had soon after the beginning of the new year; he was very ill
for many weeks, almost many months; a married sister--his only
relation, I think--came down from London to nurse him, and I went
over to him when I could, to see him, and give him 'masculine
news,' as he called it; reports of the progress of the line,
which, I am glad to say, I was able to carry on in his absence,
in the slow gradual way which suited the company best, while
trade was in a languid state, and money dear in the market. Of
course, with this occupation for my scanty leisure, I did not
often go over to Hope Farm. Whenever I did go, I met with a
thorough welcome; and many inquiries were made as to Holdsworth's
illness, and the progress of his recovery.

At length, in June I think it was, he was sufficiently recovered
to come back to his lodgings at Eltham, and resume part at least