“I’m sorry,” said the little nurse, “but Dr. Quelton has given strict orders—”
“Er—yes, quite so!” he interrupted suavely. “I shan’t stop a minute.”
He came nearer, but the nurse drew back and stood with her back against the door.
“Dr. Quelton has given strict orders—” she repeated.
“No more of that, please!” he said with a frown. “I’m going to see Mrs. Quelton for a moment. Stand aside, please!”
He did not raise his voice, but the quality of it was oddly changed. Lexy felt a thrill of pleasure in its cool assurance and authority. Perhaps he objected very much to “making a row,” but what a glorious row he could make if he chose! If he would only once face Dr. Quelton like this!
“Stand aside, if you please!” he repeated, and the poor little nurse, very much flustered, did so.
“I’m afraid Dr. Quelton will be—” she began, but Captain Grey had already entered the room.
The nurse followed him, closing the door after her. Lexy opened it at once and went in after them. She caught a glimpse of the young man and the nurse vanishing through one of the long windows that led out to the balcony. For a moment she hesitated, looking about her at the big, dim room. The dark shades were pulled down, and not a trace of the spring’s brightness entered here.
Then she heard Captain Grey’s voice speaking.