“If it was to do you any harm, I am sure I should not think of such a thing,” said Mrs. Langford.  “But I have lived a good many more years in the world than these young people, and I never saw any good come of all this keeping low.  There was old Mr. Hilton, now, that attended all the neighbourhood round when I was a girl; he kept you low enough while the fever was on you, but as soon as it was gone, why then reinvigorate the system,—­that was what he used to say.”

“Just like old Clarke, of Rocksand!” sighed Fred.  “I know my system would like nothing better than to be re-invigorated with that splendid stuff; but you would know it would put them all in a dreadful state if they knew it.”

“Never mind,” said grandmamma; “’tis all my doing, you know.  Come, to oblige me, taste it, my dear.”

“One spoonful,” said Fred—­“to oblige grandmamma,” added he to himself:  and he let grandmamma lift him on the cushions as far as he could bear to have his head raised.  He took the spoonful, then started a little,- -"There is wine in it!” said he.

“A very little—­just enough to give it a flavour; it cannot make any difference.  Do you like it, my dear?” as the spoon scooped out another transparent rock.  “Ay, that is right!  I had the receipt from my old Aunt Kitty, and nobody ever could make it like Judith.”

“I am in for it now,” thought Fred.  “Well, ’tis excellent,” said he; “capital stuff!  I feel it all down to my fingers’ ends,” added he with a smile, as he returned the glass, after fishing in vain for the particles remaining in the small end.

“That is right; I am so glad to see you enjoy it!” said grandmamma, hurrying off with the empty glass with speed at which Fred smiled, as it implied some fears of meeting Aunt Geoffrey.  He knew the nature of his own case sufficiently to be aware that he had acted very imprudently,—­that is to say, his better sense was aware—­but his spirit of self-will made him consider all these precautions as nonsense, and was greatly confirmed by his feeling himself much more fresh and lively.  Grandmamma returned to announce Alexander and Willy, who soon followed her, and after shaking hands, stood silent, much shocked at the alteration in Fred’s appearance.

This impression, however, soon passed off, as Fred began to talk over school affairs in a very animated manner; sending messages to his friends, discussing the interests of the coming half-year, the games, the studies, the employments; Alex lamenting Fred’s absence, engaging to write, undertaking numerous commissions, and even prognosticating his speedy recovery, and attainment of that cynosure,—­the prize.  Never had the two cousins met so cordially, or so enjoyed their meeting.  There was no competition; each could afford to do the other justice, and both felt great satisfaction in doing so; and so high and even so loud became their glee, that Alex could scarcely believe that Fred was not in perfect health.  At last Aunt Geoffrey came to put an end to it; and finding Fred so much excited, she made Alex bring his blunt honest farewells and good wishes to a speedy conclusion, desired Fred to lie quiet and rest, and sat down herself to see that he did so.