He was moving away when Roger stopped him with a gesture.
"I am afraid in the light of what has happened I must make it plain to you that you are not to hold any communication with Lady Clifford for the present. I must ask you to remain at the other end of this room until I give you leave to withdraw."
A sudden gleam shot into the dull little eyes.
"May I ask by what authority you issue orders in this house?"
"I would prefer you didn't ask," retorted Roger with an unwavering gaze, "because the only answer is an extremely direct one."
As he spoke he slipped his right hand into his pocket with a movement there was no misunderstanding.
"This is intimidation, Mr. Clifford."
"You are at liberty to give it any name you like. The point is that only by doing as I say can you avoid at the moment a legal investigation."
A second or two elapsed while the doctor looked at him silently, evidently considering the matter. Then without a word he turned and walked heavily towards the fireplace, where he seated himself in the big arm-chair. At this precise moment Miss Clifford came back into the room with a basin of water and a towel. She glanced at the distant figure of the doctor with slight surprise, then at Roger as though scenting something amiss.
"He sent me to get these," she murmured uncertainly. "Is she coming around?"