"I'm sorry, Bobs. But I had to do it. I'd do it again to save Dee."
"Save her? Aid her in a cowardly shirking of her first duty as a woman and a wife. It is bad enough to find you lying to me. But to find her a coward and a slacker——"
"You're more angry at her than you are at me, aren't you?" said Pat, in wonder and some resentment. She did not like to have anyone else put before her even for indignation.
He made no reply, but turned in at the gateway to the James ground. As they passed under the portico she stole a glance at his face. It had, by the magic of his will, become calm, cheerful, self-possessed, exorcised of all wrath and dismay, the face of the confident, confidence-inspiring physician going on his duty of aid. Pat marvelled and admired.
For her it was a long and thought-haunted half hour before he emerged from Dee's room.
"Is it bad?" she whispered, striving to read his expression.
"No. A slight nervous shock. Nothing more."
"Oh, Bobs! I could cry with thankfulness."
"Save your tears," he advised, "for those on whom they might make an impression."
"You don't like me much, do you?" she sighed. "Did you tell Dee about my trick?"