‘It’s chicken pox. Use a soothing lotion, and try to prevent them scratching the scabs off when they form, else they’ll be left with scars. ‘As for the other business … there’s nothing physically wrong with the boy’s tongue or mouth that I can see, and no reason why he shouldn’t talk in time. Give him plenty of activities to keep him occupied, both mental and physical. Encourage him by singing around him, and he may join in. Singing does wonders for children with speech impediments. I also advise you to keep to a routine. It will build him up and give him confidence.’ But first the children had to learn that they were orphans. And judging from Zachariah’s face he wasn’t looking forward to telling them. ‘I’ll fetch the picture of my brother and his wife and we’ll go up together,’ he said. When they got to the nursery he propped the painting against the table with the back towards them and cleared his throat when the children gazed expectantly at him. ‘There’s something I must tell you, and I can’t express how sorry I am that it’s necessary.
