CHAPTER XII
The Earl of Emsworth sat by the sick bed and regarded the
Honorable Freddie almost tenderly.
"I fear, Freddie, my dear boy, this has been a great shock to you."
"Eh? What? Yes—rather! Deuce of a shock, gov'nor."
"I have been thinking it over, my boy, and perhaps I have been a little hard on you. When your ankle is better I have decided to renew your allowance; and you may return to London, as you do not seem happy in the country. Though how any reasonable being can prefer—"
The Honorable Freddie started, pop-eyed, to a sitting posture.
"My word! Not really?"
His father nodded.
"I say, gov'nor, you really are a topper! You really are, you know! I know just how you feel about the country and the jolly old birds and trees and chasing the bally slugs off the young geraniu
