“Come here,” said Elthorne, in an unnaturally calm voice, as if it were the father speaking to two erring boys.
The young men advanced, and, after a quick glance, Neil said firmly:
“As your medical attendant, sir, I must insist upon your being perfectly calm.”
“As your father, sir, I insist upon your waiting till I have spoken. I know my strength better than you can tell me.”
Neil made a deprecating sign, and moved to the other side of the couch, looking sorrowfully at Saxa, who met his eyes for a moment, and then scornfully averted her own.
“Now, Alison,” said Elthorne slowly, and in a voice that sounded wonderfully composed.
“Yes, sir, what is it?” replied Alison quietly, and at that moment the brothers’ eyes met and an angry look was directed at the elder.
“This, my son: you are engaged to marry Dana Lydon.”
“Am I?” said the young man scornfully, and he gazed at her now defiantly, while Neil’s heart sank in his breast with a terrible feeling of despair.
“Yes, sir, you are,” said his father firmly. “At my wish. It is an old engagement, and I have just heard a charge against you of insulting this lady by attempting to carry on a contemptible flirtation with a woman serving as a menial in this house. Tell Dana it is not true.”