Glyddyr heard his words, and a singing noise came in his ears, but Claude was beside him, and her father was evidently giving him a chance for a tête-à-tête.
“Will you have the bottles made stronger?” continued Gartram.
“Really—” began the doctor.
“There, now, you are going to make an excuse about my nerves being weak, or something of that sort. Nonsense, my dear sir; I’m as strong as a horse. Make it more powerful.”
“No. Really, Mr Gartram—”
“Oh, very well; then I shall take three times as much, and so get over you, doctor. You see you cannot help yourself. Claude, my dear,” he continued, turning sharply, “did you show Doctor Asher that new bamboo—how it is getting on?”
“No, papa; I did not think of it,” said Claude, rising hastily.
“No, no. Just like you forgetful girls. I’ll show him. This way, doctor. What is it?—Bambusa Metake. I think that’s right. Come along. Rather a rare plant for this neighbourhood.—Give the young folks a chance, doctor, eh?”
“Yes, I see,” said Asher, nodding and smiling, as he followed his patient out on to the terrace. “Bambusa Metake, eh?”
“Bamboo—bamboozle, doctor,” cried Gartram, laughing. “Now, then, about this stuff. I must have it mixed up stronger.”