"Fulvia, you are wrong! You must not give way like this," said Dr. Duncan in a low voice.
"Why not? I may do as I like. Who cares?"
She turned petulantly from him, and with uneven steps walked across to Nigel.
Dr. Duncan would not follow her. He sent Daisy from the room, on some slight pretext, and at once set himself to engross Mrs. Browning's attention.
Fulvia cared little, in her then mood, whether or no she was observed. She stood in front of Nigel, who had remained silent since his first entrance, and her intent gaze caused a slight movement, as if he shrunk from it—or from her.
"Have you been so frightened about Ethel?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Not about—?"
Nigel understood. "I did not know of your danger too, Fulvia, till—" he said in a low voice, and then he faltered, as if scarcely knowing how to continue.
"Yes—till when?"