"I didn't say very ill," said her brother, rather sharply. "I only said far from well. They may not know it either." And then he suddenly remembered that, from what Dr. Donaldson had told him, Margaret, at any rate, must be aware of the exact state of the case.
"Very probably they are quite aware of what you said yesterday, John--of the great advantage it would be to them--to Mr. Hale, I mean, to be introduced to such people as the Stephenses and the Collingbrooks."
"I'm sure that motive would not influence them. No! I think I understand how it is."

'I didn't say very ill,' said her brother, rather sharply. 'I only said very far from well. They may not know it either.' Then he remembered that, from what Dr. Donaldson had told him, Margaret, at any rate, must be aware of the exact state of the case.
'Very probably they know the great advantage it would be to them, to be introduced to such people as the Stephenses and the Collingbrooks.'
'I'm sure that motive would not influence them. No! I think I understand how it is.'
