"Here you are, Nat. You'll sleep awhile after this. 'Twill soon ease you."
Nathan Baskerville seized the glass like one perishing of thirst, and drank eagerly.
He continued to talk a little afterwards, but was swiftly easier. Presently the drug silenced him and he lay still.
Humphrey looked at his watch.
"I can tell you," he said. "Because you'll understand. His troubles are ended for ever now. He won't have another pang. I've taken it upon myself. You're a wise and patient woman. You've got other secrets. Better keep this with the rest."
He was excited. His forehead grew wet and he mopped it with the sheet of the bed.
Priscilla did not reply; but she went on her knees beside Nathan and listened.
"At six o'clock, or maybe a bit earlier, he'll stop. Till then he'll sleep in peace. When does Eliza Gollop come back?"
"After four."
"I'll wait then."