He shook hands, and left patient and nurse together, descending with Neil to the drawing room, where Isabel, Alison, and Aunt Anne were waiting to hear his report.
“Oh, I am glad,” cried Aunt Anne, wiping her eyes; and then: “You think he can do without the nurse now?”
Alison gave her a furious look, which did not escape Neil.
“Eh? Do without the nurse?” cried Sir Denton. “I did not say so. No, my dear madam, her attention is more necessary than ever, I am sorry to say.”
Aunt Anne’s plump countenance bespoke her disappointment.
“You are sorry to say?” she said.
“Yes, my dear madam, for I want her back in town.”
Lunch was at an end, and the carriage at the door. Sir Denton shook hands and went out into the hall with Neil, took up his hat, set it down again, looked at his watch, and replaced it.
“About half an hour to spare, eh, Elthorne?”
“Yes, quite.”