“Yes,” admitted Mr Lechworthy. “But I have very great confidence in that doctor. We had better not interfere.”
“Here he comes,” said the King.
“I heard nothing.”
“A door opened and shut softly.”
Dr Soames Pryce came out on to the verandah where Lechworthy and the King were seated. His coat and waistcoat were off. With his left hand he rubbed his right forearm. His smile was slightly triumphant.
“Well, we’ve got through all right, Mr Lechworthy. Had a bit of a fight for it too. Miss Auriol has been asleep for nearly two hours and is still asleep.”
“Then why have you left us without news?” asked the King.
“This another of your little tests?” sneered Pryce.
“Do you want me to apologise again for that? I will if you like. I was a fool, and I know it now. I asked that only because I did not understand. I did not think it would annoy you.”
Mr Lechworthy looked from one man to the other. He did not understand to what they referred.