“Do you think so?”
“I am sure of it. You need quiet, and the absence of all that stimulates the action of the brain.”
“And what do you, sir,—what does any one,—know about the brain's operations? You doctors have invented a sort of conventional cerebral organ, which, like lunar caustic, is decomposed by light; and in your vulgar materialism you would make out that what affects your brain must act alike upon mine. I tell you, sir, it is darkness—obscurity, physical or moral, it matters not which—that irritates me, just as I feel provoked this moment by this muddling talk of yours about brain.”
“And yet I 'm talking about what my daily life and habits suggest some knowledge of,” said Beattie, mildly.
“So you are, sir, and the presumption is all on my side. If you'll kindly lend me your arm, I'll go back to my room.”
Step by step, slowly and painfully, he returned to his chamber, not uttering a word as he went.
“Yes, this is better, doctor; this half light soothes; it is much pleasanter. One more kindness. I wrote to Lady Lendrick this morning to come up here. I suppose my combative spirit was high in me, and I wanted a round with the gloves,—or, indeed, without them; at all events, I sent the challenge. But now, doctor, I have to own myself a craven. I dread the visit Could you manage to interpose? Could you suggest that it is by your order I am not permitted to receive her? Could you hint”—here he smiled half maliciously—“that you do not think the time has come for anodynes,—eh, doctor?”
“Leave it to me. I 'll speak to Lady Lendrick.”
“There 's another thing: not that it much matters; but it might perhaps be as well to send a few lines to the morning papers, to say the accounts of the Chief Baron are more favorable to-day; he passed a tranquil night, and so on. Pemberton won't like it, nor Hayes; but it will calm the fears of a very attached friend who calls here twice daily. You'd never guess him. He is the agent of the Globe Office, where I 'm insured. Ah, doctor, it was a bright thought of Philanthropy to establish an industrial enterprise that is bound, under heavy recognizances, to be grieved at our death.”
“I must not make you talk, Sir William. I must not encourage you to exert yourself. I 'll say good-bye, and look in upon you this afternoon.”