"Doctor Hartley is at Assouan, but he will come down to-morrow to see his patient. You don't seem to realize that Assouan is close by, just round the corner."
"I know it is only a hundred and ten kilometres away."
"In a steam launch or by train that's absolutely nothing. He'll be here to-morrow."
"Then your husband feels worse?"
"Not at all."
"But if you've sent for Doctor Hartley?"
"I've only done that because instead of going up at once to Assouan, as we had intended, we've decided to remain here for the present. Nigel enjoys the quiet, and I dare say it's better for him. You forget he's just lost his only brother."
"You mean that I am wanting in delicacy in thrusting myself into your mutual grief?"
He spoke very simply, very quietly, but there was a note in his voice of inflexible determination.
"I don't wish to say that," she answered.