David closed his eyes. Not, however, to sleep. Rather to listen to his tempter, who had returned to stand guard, to keep the victory it had won. But the imp's words were less plausible this morning, a certain sly malice had crept into his voice. David remembered shrinkingly the resolve he had taken.
"It's because I am weak." He tried to stiffen himself. "I have a right to be happy. Why should two be made to suffer for one who wouldn't care?" He repeated that over and over to himself and almost achieved belief.
The nurse came to his bedside. "I'm going out for my walk now. Ring this bell if you want anything, and one of the maids will come."
He nodded and she left. A minute later he heard other steps coming into the room.
"David—David!" said a voice over him. A compassionate voice that was near to breaking.
He opened his eyes and, not easily, met Jonathan's. "I'm making a good deal of trouble. You should have let them take me to the hospital."
"Hush, David! I wanted you to come here. Is the wound very painful?"
"I've had toothaches that were worse."
"It's like you to make light of it."
"It isn't like me to make light of it. You've seen me and ought to know that. It's more like me to whine."