He presented it to her with the words, but Doris backed away half-laughing.
"No, really, Jeff! I'll go and have a hot bath. That will do quite as well."
"You must drink this first," said Jeff.
There was a dogged note in his voice, and at sound of it Doris's brows went up, and her smile passed.
"I mean it," said Jeff, setting cup and saucer on the table before her. "I can't run the risk of having you laid up. Drink it now, before it gets cold!"
A little gleam of mutiny shone in Doris's eyes. "My dear Jeff," she said very decidedly. "I have told you already that I do not drink brandy. I am going to have a hot bath and change, and after that I will have some tea. But I draw the line at hot grog. So, please, take it away! Give it to Granny Grimshaw! It would do her more good."
She smiled again suddenly and winningly with the words. After all it was absurd to be vexed over such a trifle.
But, to her amazement, Jeff's face hardened. He stepped to her, and, as if she had been a child, took her by the shoulders, and put her down into a chair by the table.
"Doris," he said, and his voice sounded deep and stern above her head, "I may not get much out of my bargain, but I think I may claim obedience at least. There is not enough brandy there to hurt you, and I wish you to take it."
She stiffened at his action, as if she would actively resist; but she only became rigid under his hands.