"Why to-night?"
"Because of this happy surprise I arranged for you. But I shall be sorry I arranged it if you get excited. Do you know how late it is? It is past eleven. You must let Doctor Isaacson go to the felucca. Our bargain was that to-night he should not attempt to hear all about you or enter into the case. It would not be fair to Doctor Hartley."
"Damn Doctor Hartley!" murmured the sick man, almost peevishly.
"I know. But we must behave nicely to him. Be good now, and go to bed. I have told Doctor Isaacson a lot, and I know you'll sleep now you can feel he's near you."
"I don't want anything more to do with Hartley. He knows nothing. I won't have him to-morrow."
He spoke crossly.
"Nigel!"
She put her hand upon his.
"Forgive me, dearest! Oh, what a brute I am!"
Tears came into his eyes.