"Implicitly."
"Good. Now let's see." He turned the page of a diary and then returned it. "To-morrow's Tuesday. I don't want to waste any time, but we can't rush things. Please have a room at Bell Hammer ready on Friday. I'll arrange for two nurses to go to you that afternoon. I shall go back to Girdle to-morrow evening. I hope I shall want your two friends and the chauffeur with the car during the week-end, but I may have to wait. In any event, I shall wire to you at Bell Hammer, giving them twenty-four hours' notice and telling them where to come. Please tell the chauffeur to have enough petrol and spares to go from Girdle to Hampshire without a break."
"Is that everything?" said Valerie.
"Almost. There's just this. We ought to arrive by night; but I want you to leave all instructions and go to bed."
"I can't do that, doctor. I'll promise not to appear, until you send for me, but——"
"That'll do. That's what I want. Don't think I'm being professional. Remember, I've taken Sperm at his word, and spoken more frankly to you than ever I've done in my life."
"I'm more than content," said Valerie. "You and Sir Willoughby have been just wonderful."
"That's the epithet he and I keep for you, Miss French." They rose and shook hands. "And since of your amazing self-control you've asked no questions, I'll make you a present of an answer. In my opinion, he will recover completely."
Valerie caught her breath sharply, began to tremble violently, and then burst into tears.
* * * * *