"Yes!" he declared hoarsely, "I think that I understand. Go back to her! Say that I consent. She—she is different to those others. She plays—the great game! Hush! I go to sleep!"
He closed his eyes. The door opened, and the nurse entered, followed by a man who bowed gravely to me. He was still wearing a grey tweed suit and a red tie; his eyes beamed upon me from behind his gold-rimmed spectacles.
"Ah!" he exclaimed softly, "so you have come to see your friend. It is very kind of you! I trust that you find him better."
I pointed to the nurse.
"Send her away," I said. "I want to talk to you!"
"We will talk with pleasure," the newcomer answered, "but why here? We shall disturb our friend. Come into my room, and we will drink a whisky and soda together."
"Thank you, no!" I answered dryly. "I will drink with you at the bar, or in the smoking-room if you like—not in your room."
He bowed.
"An admirable precaution, sir," he declared. "We will go to the smoking-room."
I glanced towards the bed. Guest was sleeping, or feigning sleep. My companion's eyes followed mine sympathetically.