Aunt Ann had called Penny at lunch time, her voice trembling a little with anxiety in spite of her courageous attempt to withhold her fear from Penny.

"I thought you would want to be with your uncle at such a time. Will you be able to come?"

"Of course, aunt Ann. I'm terribly sorry. You mustn't worry too much. Uncle had one of these seizures before, didn't he? And he has been perfectly all right since" Penny said.

Yes I know dear, but your uncle is quite a few years older now.

Aunt Ann's voice trailed away into silence before she rallied with one of her clichés.

"All good has...