Dr. Santley gave Paulton a peculiar look, of which the latter could make nothing.
"What!" she said. "At such an hour! I could not think of it."
"I can assure you," persisted Paulton, "it will not cause any inconvenience. My mother does not in the least mind getting up. I am perfectly certain both my father and mother would be greatly displeased with me if I did not do everything in my power to induce you to come."
He glanced at Santley for encouragement, and again found the incomprehensible expression on the doctor's face.
She seemed to hesitate. She looked down at her soft, round arm lying on the table.
"It is most considerate of you to make me such an offer, and if I felt perfectly sure your mother would not regard it as a very inconvenient intrusion, I should be disposed to accept it."
"Believe me, Mrs. Davenport, I am not exaggerating in the slightest degree when I say that my mother would be displeased with me if I omitted any argument likely to influence you. I appeal to Dr. Santley. He will tell you that my mother is most sympathetic. What do you say, doctor?"
"I am sure I know of no one of kindlier nature than Mrs. Paulton," said the doctor.
The face of Santley was now expressionless, the eyes of Mrs. Davenport were fixed on him.
"I will go," she said, and rose. She walked slowly down the side of the table until she reached the elbow of the couch. She bent over the drooped head, kissed the forward-leaning forehead, and then went back to the door, and as she left the room said: "I shall be ready immediately. I do not like to go upstairs. I have a cloak and bonnet in the hall. Please bring the light here a moment."