"Yes; why not?" His tone was calm, but the hand clasping hers tightened its grasp. It was as though he could not let her go.
There was a pause. Agatha made an effort to draw her hand from his, but he held it manfully.
"Why shouldn't you do what is good for you?" asked he at last.
"And what is the good of a doctor if he can't suggest useful remedies? I am a doctor, and, therefore, why shouldn't you do what I tell you?"
"Oh, if you put it that way," said she.
"Then you are going to obey me?"
She gave him a little glance.
At this they both laughed. Agatha still a little nervously. She did not, however, resist him any further, and presently he had taken her back across the lawn and on to the balcony, where Mrs. Greatorex met them.
She had seen Dillwyn spring though the laurels, and had known Agatha was safe. She met him now with extended hand.
"Thank you a thousand times, Dr. Dillwyn," said she, "for your happy appearance on the scene a moment ago. I warned Agatha about that repulsive boy, but she would not listen to me. However, I am sure there was nothing really serious about it."