He had not mentioned this matter to Mrs. Lansing.  In several ways Sylvia struck him as being the more capable woman, though this was not the impression her appearance had upon the less practised observers.  She looked thoughtful at his news.

“I suppose such a course is necessary,” she remarked.

“I believe it’s advisable; that is, if there’s any likelihood that his duties will make much demand on him for some time to come.”

Sylvia changed the subject.

“Have you any particular instructions?”

“None beyond those I’ve given the nurse.  Quietness is the great thing; but it doesn’t look as if he’ll cause you much trouble.”

The prediction was justified.  With the exception of a few complaints about his physical discomfort, Herbert displayed an exemplary patience and soon began to improve, for his recovery was assisted by the tranquil state of his mind.  The accident had happened at a very opportune time:  it furnished an excellent excuse for withdrawing from an embarrassing situation and it would save his credit, if, as seemed probable, difficulties shortly threatened the rubber company.  It would look as if any trouble that might fall upon the concern was the result of his having been forced to relinquish control, and nobody could rationally blame him for being run over.

He was lying in a sunny room one afternoon when two gentlemen were shown in.  One was the caller with whom he had an interview in his office before the accident.  They inquired about his progress with rather forced courtesy; and then one of them said: 

“We looked in on the doctor who wrote to us about your injury before we came here, and he told us you were strong enough for a little quiet conversation.  We haven’t appointed another director yet.”

“Then you had better do so,” Herbert advised.

“You mean to stick to your withdrawal?  You’re the only person who can pull the company out of its difficulties.”

“Has it got into any difficulties?” Herbert inquired.  “You see, I’ve been compelled to give orders for all correspondence to be dealt with at the London office, and I’m advised not to read the financial papers or anything that might have a disturbing effect.”

The man who had not yet spoken betrayed some impatience.

“We’re up to the eyes in trouble, as you must have guessed.  Have you asked yourself what the body of the shareholders are likely to think?”

“It’s fairly obvious.  They’ll consider it a misfortune that I was knocked over shortly before a critical time; possibly they’ll attribute everything unsatisfactory in the company’s affairs to my not being in charge.”

One of the visitors glanced meaningly at his companion.  There was truth in what Lansing said.  The angry shareholders would not discriminate carefully; they would blame the present directors, who would have to face a serious loss while Lansing had made a profit.  It was a galling situation; and what made it worse was that Lansing’s expression hinted that he found it somewhat humorous.