Read it through once

"They've been down on a great number lately, but what can I do? We always come back to that. I haven't the health to work round from race-course to race-course as I used to. But I've got an idea, Esther. I've been thinking over things a great deal lately, and--give me my pipe--there, it's just by you. Now, hold the candle, like a good girl."