“Indeed, I—”
“Know nothing about it,” said the old man decisively. “I do, and I know that your heart is so much in your work that you would go on till you dropped. You must have change from the air of this place.”
“Really, Sir Denton, I am—”
“Going to do exactly as I bid you, nurse; and I wish that you would look upon me as a very old friend, and not merely as a crotchety surgeon, who worries and bullies the nurses about his patients.”
“Indeed, you have always been most kind and considerate to me, Sir Denton.”
“Have I? I thought I was very inconsiderate sometimes, and found a great deal of fault.”
“You have just given me proof of the interest you take in me, Sir Denton.”
“Ah, well, we all try to do our best. Then, as your friend, I shall insist upon your taking a month.”
“A month, Sir Denton?”
“Yes; it is quite necessary; and you, too, will come back like a lioness refreshed, ready to battle with our troubles here. Look, that woman wants you,” he continued, nodding toward Maria’s bed. “Don’t spoil her too much. She’s an ungrateful baggage. I’ve noticed her. Behaves to you as if you were her servant.”