“There’s nothing for you to do except to keep out of the way,” said Eric. “If Ivy dies,—well, we won’t consider that. If she gets well, she doesn’t want any help or recognition from you; there’ll be no consequences for you to fear; she starts fresh, and you may believe her when she tells you that she never wants to see you again.”
Gaymer shook his head and smiled tolerantly.
“Ah, but I don’t,” he answered.
“She’s told me and she’s told you.”
“I don’t give her up quite as easily as that.”
“I’m not going to let you persecute her.” Eric took out his watch and got up from the divan. Gaymer was becoming truculent again, and they could look for nothing but the dreaded, unprofitable wrangle. “I came here at your request; if there are any questions you like to ask—”
“How soon can I see Ivy?”
“You can’t. She may not live through the night. If she does, I’ll make it my business to keep you away from her.”
“Are you afraid?”
“Of you?”