"I can never leave him again," Mrs. Browning said, her dark eyes full of meek resolution.
But the cause of the "attack"? It was Fulvia who pressed this question, and she insisted on being told. Could it have been simply the little agitation of being reminded about her birthday? Of hearing what she had to say about her money? Impossible. Why, he had no reason whatever to mind her speaking. Dr. Duncan evaded the question at first, and Fulvia would not permit the evasion. Was that, or was it not, the cause? She would have yea or nay from him.
And Dr. Duncan was a truthful man. He might try to avoid giving an answer; but if he gave one, it would be true. He said at length—
"There may have been more involved in the subject than you could know. Almost any agitation might be sufficient."
"Sufficient to bring on a really dangerous attack, do you mean?"
"Yes."
"But—do you mean—you don't mean that at any time he may have it?"
"Yes."
"From just a little mistake; letting him talk of what excites him?"
"Yes; or rather, forcing him to do so. He will keep clear of agitating subjects, if he is allowed. He will keep clear of them instinctively. Mind, you insist upon all this from me;" and there was a touch of reproach. "I would rather have given a general warning only."