"Strange you should ask that. He isn't ill, and he isn't well; that is, he suffers from a weak heart—not enough vitality. He is seeing a doctor."
"I understand."
"You understand what?" Montrose stared.
"Why you look tired. In quite an unconscious way, this Hardwick has been drawing the vitality out of you."
"Can that be done?"
"Oh, yes! The weaker body frequently replenishes its life forces from any stronger body that is at hand. You have heard it said how old age eats up youth. That is a great truth."
"David and Abishag," murmured Montrose wearily. Then he opened his eyes with an astonished look. "I am growing stronger."
Eberstein smiled in an understanding manner. "I am giving you strength, and strength you will need very shortly, I assure you."
"You said in London that trouble was coming. But so far everything is all right. Enistor is an extremely pleasant man, who quite approves of my marriage with Alice. We get on capitally together."
"Was your first impression of him pleasant?"