There was silence. He watched her while she adjusted fresh bandages. He thought that he had never seen work of the kind more deftly done. As she bent over him he noticed what a dainty profile she had, and what beautiful hands. Presently he spoke again.
"Miss Hughes--"
"Dr Hughes, if you please. I didn't proceed to my M.D. degree for nothing."
"I beg your pardon. Dr Hughes, what has become of my patients while I've been lying here?"
"I've been taking them. Do you object?"
"Object! Indeed, no; only--I'm afraid--"
He stopped.
"Yes? What are you afraid of?"
"Nothing; that is--I hardly know how you'll take it."
"What are you afraid of?"