The Doctor threw up both hands.
“All right. If you won't, you won't. We'll let it go at that.”
He paused and changed his tones to friendly personal interest.
“And you're determined to leave me and take my kid away tomorrow?”
“We must go. I've no money to pay my board. I can't impose on you——”
“It's going to be awfully lonely.”
He looked at her with a strange, deep gaze, lifted his stooping shoulders with sudden resolution and changed his manner to light banter.
“I suppose I couldn't persuade you to give me that boy?”
She smiled tenderly.
“You know his father did leave his mark on him after all! The eyes are all his. Of course, I will admit that those drooping lids have often been the mark of genius—perhaps a genius for evil in this case. If you don't want to take the risk—now's your chance. I will——”