"I'm very sorry you're going, very sorry indeed," said Nicholas.
He was purposely speaking with restraint of manner.
"I couldn't stay after a row like that," said Doris candidly. "I couldn't possibly."
The word vexed him.
"I hope there are no such things as 'rows' in my house," he said, deliberately repressive.
"Of course, I wasn't going to say anything upstairs with Mrs. Aubray still weak as she is, but if I don't say anything, it isn't because I don't feel. Miss Stellenthorpe was most insulting."
They stared at one another.
"I'm very sorry," said Nicholas uncomfortably.
"Please don't think that I think it's anything to do with you," said Doris, with some formality. "You and—and Mrs. Aubray, of course—have always been very kind, and of course, I have done my best, and I can't help knowing I'm a good nurse." She paused.
"Of course you are. It's made all the difference having you here."