"There will be no need for that."
"Do you mean that you are going to refuse absolutely to allow me to see your husband?"
"I do. In any case, you could not see him to-night, as he is asleep—"
She stopped. Through the silent boat there went the sharp, tingling noise of an electric bell.
"As he is asleep." She spoke more quickly and unevenly. "And to-morrow Doctor Hartley will be here, and I shall go by what he says. If he wishes a consultation—"
Again the bell sounded. She frowned. Hamza appeared at the door leading from the deck. He closed the door behind him, crossed the cabin without noise, opened the farther door, and vanished, shutting it with a swift gentleness that seemed almost unnatural.
"Then it will be a different matter, and I shall be very glad indeed to have your opinion. I know its value"—she looked towards the door by which Hamza had gone out—"but I must treat Doctor Hartley with proper consideration. And now I must say good night."
Her voice still hurried. Quickly she held out her hand.
"The felucca will take you home. And to-morrow, as soon as Doctor Hartley has been here and I have had a talk with him and heard what he thinks, I'll let you know all about it. It's very good of you to bother."
But Isaacson did not take the outstretched hand.