Whether from the firmness of her resolution or from the prospect of the drive in the afternoon, she did succeed in banishing the whole matter from her thoughts. She was happy at the anticipation of seeing something of the neighbouring countryside, happier still to think that Roger Clifford had cared to invite her to go with him. Her experience with men had taught her the great if simple truth that they did not ask one from a sense of duty.
She had just settled her patient for his afternoon nap when Roger returned, warm and sunburned.
"Get ready as soon as you can," he bade her. "Let's make the most of the sunshine. Put on a warm coat; the car's an open one."
In ten minutes' time she was seated beside him in the little Citroën, speeding along smooth roads out into the country. After the confinement of her work she felt gloriously exhilarated, leaning back with the sharp wind in her face, revelling in the view of the mountains, enthusiastic as a child.
"I suppose you've been to Nice and Monte Carlo?" he suggested.
"Me? Indeed I haven't; I've not been anywhere yet. I came here with a patient, and exactly a week later I started to work for Dr. Sartorius."
"Then you've everything before you. How I wish I could take you about sight-seeing a bit! If only these places were a trifle nearer! … Still, when my father is convalescent we must see what can be done."
"It would be heavenly! It's so stupid going alone, hardly any fun at all…. Of course, I don't know what the doctor would think if I began running about like that. He probably wouldn't approve."
"Do you like him?" asked her companion suddenly.
"Dr. Sartorius?" she replied, knitting her brows. "I hardly know…. I suppose the fact is I neither like nor dislike him. I admire him very much indeed; I think he's a frightfully clever physician and scientist."