Maude looked at him with that glance of absolute obvious candour which a woman never uses unless she has intent to deceive.

‘Yes, dear—but only next week. I thought it would brace you up for—well, for the week afterwards.’

‘You think the week afterwards?’

‘Yes, dear. It would help me so, if I knew that you were in your best form.’

I! What can it matter what form I am in. But in any case, it is out of the question.’

‘But you could get leave.’

‘Oh yes, easily enough.’

‘Then do go.’

‘And leave you at such a time!’

‘No, no, you would be back.’