"It isn't usual for any one to be present except the doctors taking part in it," said Isaacson.
"The consultation comes after the visit to the patient," she said; "and of course I'll leave you alone for that. I should prefer to leave you alone while you are examining my husband, too, but I'm sorry to say he insists on my being there."
Isaacson was no longer in doubt about an ambush. She had prepared one while she had been left alone with the sick man. Hartley having unexpectedly escaped from the magic circle of her influence, she had devoted herself to making it invulnerable about her husband.
Nevertheless, he meant to break in at whatever cost.
"We don't want to oppose or irritate the patient, I'm sure," he said.
He looked towards Doctor Hartley.
"No, no, certainly not!" the young man assented, hastily.
"Very well, then!" said Mrs. Armine.
Her brows went down and her mouth contracted for an instant. Then she moistened her painted lips with the tip of her tongue and turned towards the door.
"I'll go first to tell him you are coming," she said.