"Do you wish me to get him?"
"Y-you can't do that—can you?"
"Yes, I can; if you wish it. Do you think there is anything in the world I can't do, if you wish it?"
As he rose she laid her hand on his arm:
"I—I don't ask it—" she began.
"You do not have to ask it," he said with a smile almost genuine. "Austin, I'm going to get Gerald—and Nina will explain to you that he's to be left to me if any sermon is required. I'll go back with him in the motor-boat. Boots, you'll drive home in my place."
As he turned, still smiling and self-possessed, Eileen whispered rapidly: "Don't go. I care for you too much to ask it."
He said under his breath: "Dearest, you cannot understand."
"Yes—I do! Don't go. Philip—don't go near—her—"
"I must."