“I don’t like to leave till that woman is perfectly safe from a relapse.”
“Well, she is now, so go. It will suit me better than if you wait to go later on. Nurse Elisia and I will see to her. I suppose you will trust us?”
“What a question!” said the young surgeon. “Well, under those circumstances I will go for a few days—say four.”
“Take a fortnight, man.”
“No; the time I said. I should not go down only my people consider that I am neglecting them. I shall be back at the end of four days.”
He glanced sharply at the nurse as he spoke, and she met his eyes in the most calm, unmoved way.
“You may depend upon my taking every care of the patient, Mr Elthorne,” she said quietly.
“Thank you; I am sure you will,” he said with his brow wrinkling a little. But he mastered himself the next minute, as he gave a few directions concerning other patients in the ward.
“Tut, man! that will do,” said Sir Denton, impatiently. “The conceit of you young fellows is dreadful. Do you think there will be screens drawn round all the beds just because you are out of the way? We’ll try and keep your patients alive.”
Neil laughed good-humouredly.