“Yes, yes; pray, pray stay, doctor,” cried the lady in a pleading voice which went to his heart.
“It is impossible, madam. I have others to think of as well as your—friend.”
He could not for the life of him say husband.
“I will be back about nine.”
“Sir, we beg of you to stay,” said the gentleman who took the lead, earnestly.
“I have told you, sir, that I cannot. I must leave you now.”
“No, no, doctor!” whispered the lady.
“Madam, it is not necessary for me to stay now. Silence, I beg. The patient must be kept quiet.”
“Yes—quiet,” said the chief speaker. “Doctor, we have asked you not to leave us; now we must insist.”
“What! Why?”