“Yes, yes, dear. Of course Doctor Scales will stay.”
“Then why don’t you ask him?” he continued in the same irritable manner. “A man won’t stop if the mistress of the house slights him.”
“But, my dear James,” cried Lady Scarlett, with the tears in her eyes, “I have not slighted Doctor Scales. On the contrary, I was begging that he would stay when you came in.”
“Why?—why?” exclaimed Scarlett, with increasing excitement. “You must have had some reason. Do you hear? Why did you ask him to stay?”
“Because I knew you wished it,” said Lady Scarlett meekly; “and I thought it would do you good to have him with you for a time, dear.”
“Do me good! Such sickly nonsense! Just as if I were ill. You put me out of patience, Kate; you do indeed. How can you be so childish!—Come into the garden, Jack. I’ll be back directly I’ve got my cigar-case.”
“Shall I fetch it, dear?” asked Lady Scarlett eagerly.
“No; of course not. Any one would think I was an invalid;” and he left the room.
“Lady Scarlett,” said the doctor, as soon as they were alone, “I will stay.”
“God bless you!” she cried, with a burst of sobbing; and she hurried away.