"Where's the hurry?"
"Only that I want to get back."
"But I haven't seen you for ages."
"Haven't you?" she asked innocently.
"Cruel Mavis! But before you go back you must wash your hand in the river."
"I'll do nothing of the kind."
"Not if it's for your good?"
"Not if I don't wish it."
"As it's for your good, I insist on your doing what I wish," he declared, as he caught her firmly by the wrist and led her, all unresisting, to the river's brink. She was surprised at her helplessness and was inclined to criticise it impersonally, the while Perigal plunged her wounded hand into the water. Her reflections were interrupted by a sharp pain caused by the contact of water with the torn flesh.
"It's better than blood poisoning," he hastened to assure her.