Dick's face fell. What he had hoped from his meeting with Dr. Brereton only he knew.
"Don't you think I'm well enough to try now?" he pleaded. "You don't know how jolly well I feel."
"I'm going to bring another man to see you to-morrow," the doctor said. "Too late to-night to overhaul you; but I want to see how my job looks."
"Oh, your job was all right long ago--you did it awfully well," Dick assured him kindly. "Dr. Carter took the stitches out at Narrung."
"Well--everything hurts a bit," Dick admitted. "It didn't hurt more than other things. I'd be lonely now if I didn't have an ache or two!"
"Oh I'm all right. At least, I would be, I know, if you'd let me sit up. No one could get well, always lying flat. Why you couldn't keep me flatter if my silly back was broken!--and you said it wasn't, didn't you, mother?"
His eyes were like a pleading animals. Mrs. Lester smiled at him with stiff lips.
"And it isn't, old son. But you must be patient--give us time."
Dick saw her mouth quiver, and was seized with swift penitence.
"I didn't mean to be a brute, mother. I won't worry you." He gave a little laugh. "You see, Dr. Brereton was someone new for me to worry, so I had to."
"H'm!" said the doctor. "We poor wretches are supposed to be able to stand anything. Never mind--just wait until you're up, and able to fight----"
He was interrupted by a quick cry from Dick. The boy's eyes were shining, his voice shaking with excitement.
"Doctor! You mean that! You mean I'll t-truly be up--able to f-fight--I won't lie here always! You did m-mean it----!"
Mrs. Lester turned to the window, unable for a moment to command her face. The doctor patted the boy's head with swift remorse.
"Of course I meant it, old man," he spoke soothingly. "Only you must give us time."
"I'll wait any time, if I know it's all right," Dick muttered. A shade of weariness passed over his face. Then he looked at his mother, and put out a hand to her.
"Been a beast again," he said apologetically. "Didn't mean to, mummie--only he sort of surprised me."
She dropped a butterfly kiss on his brow.
"Here's nurse with your tea," she said, thankful for the diversion. "I wonder how you will like food cooked in a respectable oven again?"