"What are you here for?"
"To act the part of a friend, if you will allow me. I am here to wait upon you, Mr. Copley."
"Thank you, I prefer my own people about me," said the sick man curtly. "You may go, and send them, or some of them, to me."
"I cannot do that," said the stranger, "and you must put up with me for to-night. Mrs. Copley and your daughter are both very tired, and need rest."
"Humph!" said the invalid with a surprised grunt. "Did they send you here?"
"No. They permitted me to come. I take it as a great privilege."
"You take it before you have got it. I have not given my leave yet. What are you doing there?"
"Letting some fresh air in for you." Mr. Shubrick was setting wide open both leaves of the casement.
"You mustn't do that. The night air is not good for me. Shut the window."
"You cannot have any air at night but night air," replied Mr. Shubrick, uttering what a great authority has since spoken, and leaving the window wide open.