The doctor shrugged his shoulders and said nothing.
"Anyhow, you followed the young lady about," said Wallion with some asperity. "You believed there was danger."
"Danger only to this extent, that she had started almost without means, and without protection," retorted the doctor drily. "Forgive me for referring to such a trifling fact, Elaine; your hurried journey was more like an attempt to escape, wasn't it?"
Elaine had risen, she put both hands up to her head and said wearily: "I have a bad headache, and am so tired I think I must go in."
She staggered and leant heavily on Tom's arm. Madame Lorraine rushed to the girl's aid and lovingly took her in her arms.
"My darling," she said fondly, "you have overexerted yourself, and you must go in and rest."
All had risen from their seats. With a wan smile Elaine bade them "Good-night," and obediently went in with Madame Lorraine. When the two ladies had gone there was a gloomy silence for a time, broken at last by Doctor Corman.
"As you see, her nerves are overwrought. I am sorry to have interrupted the interesting recital so abruptly, but, no doubt, you observed that my statement regarding William Robertson's condition was confirmed. Do you still consider your journey to Seattle necessary?"
"A journey begun should never be abandoned," said Wallion sententiously, fixing his eyes upon him.
The doctor threw back his head and laughed, showing his big white teeth. "All right ... I admire your energy, I promise to do what I can to hasten the result ... au revoir!" He bowed and departed.