"And I shouldn't mind if it was, over that!" said Isaacson.
His fingers no longer crushed the brim of his hat, but held it gently.
"I shouldn't mind if it was. But I think if very great care is not taken with this case, it will not be my medical reputation that will be ruined over it."
As if mechanically Mrs. Armine pulled at the chair which she was holding. She drew it nearer her, and twisted it a little round.
"What do you mean?" said Doctor Hartley.
"Mr. Armine is a well-known man. Almost all the English travellers on the Nile, and most people of any importance in Cairo, know of his illness—have heard about his supposed sunstroke."
"Supposed!" interrupted the young doctor, indignantly. "Supposed!"
"All these people will know the name of the medical man in charge of the case—the medical man who declined a consultation."
"Will know?" said Hartley.
Under the attack of Isaacson's new manner his self-possession seemed slightly less assured.