CHAPTER XIV
"I CAN'T GET IT ACROSS"
The door of Willem's room opened, and Dr. McPherson came out on the landing. He moved slowly, hesitatingly, as though impelled by some force outside his logical comprehension.
Still walking as if drawn forward half against his will, the doctor descended the stairs to the big living-room. At the stair-foot stood Peter Grimm, with outstretched hands to receive him.
"Well, Andrew," said the Dead Man, in the tone of banter that had never in life failed to "get a rise" out of his medical crony, "I apologise. You were right. I was mistaken. I didn't know what I was talking about. So I've come back, as I promised, to keep our compact and to apologise. You see, I——"
"Well, Doctor," asked Kathrien, looking back into the room at sound of McPherson's steps, "how is Willem?"
"Better," answered McPherson. "He's dropped off to sleep again. I'm still a bit puzzled about his case. It's——"
"Andrew! Andrew!" interrupted the Dead Man, almost fiercely. "I've got a message to deliver, but I can't get it across. This sort of thing is your own beloved specialty. Now's your chance. The chance you've always been longing for. Tell her I don't want her to marry Frederik! Tell her I——"
"A puzzling condition," continued McPherson, unhearing. "I can't quite grasp the meaning——"