"He thinks he has." Mrs. Stoddart spoke very slowly. "As far as I understand, there is a cerebral lesion, and it is possible that it may not be as serious as he thought at first. It may have been aggravated for the moment by drink, the effects of which are passing off. But there is always the risk—in this case a great risk—that the injury to the brain may increase. In any case, his condition is very grave. His family ought to be communicated with at once."
Annette stared at her in silence.
"They must be summoned," said Mrs. Stoddart.
"But I don't know who they are," said Annette. "I don't even know his real name. He is called Mr. Le Geyt. It is the name he rides under."
Mrs. Stoddart reddened. She had had her doubts.
"A wife should know her husband's name," she said.
"But, you see, I'm not his wife."
There was a moment's silence. Mrs. Stoddart's eyes fell on Annette's wedding ring.
"That is nothing," said Annette. "Dick said I had better have one, and he bought it in a shop before we started. I think I'll take it off. I hate wearing it."