"You shall still rule, everywhere, except in one little corner of my kingdom which has to do with things medical—over that I must still reign."
"Of course if you think that you are right in this——"
"I know that I am right. Look at me, Diana."
Thrilled by his tone of command, she did look at him with eyes like stars.
Then, knowing that he had conquered, he drew her up to him and said, gently, "We doctors have to seem cruel to be kind—but you must never believe me cruel, Diana."
So July passed and August, and the little town took on all the beauty of its September coloring. The dahlias blazed from every fence corner. Against the gray rocks their masses of brilliance tempted the brushes of the artists who came to paint.
The yachts began to leave the harbor, some of them going South, some of them making their exit to the clanking chorus of the marine railway. The yacht clubs sounded their last guns, packed away their pennants and hauled up their floating docks. The hotels were closed, and most of the mansions on the Neck were deserted. The summer folk were turning toward the city, and the little seaport town was settling down to its winter routine.
It was on one of those quiet September days that Anthony said to Bettina, "Set your wedding day, my dear."
"Oh, Anthony, may I, really?"
"Yes. The specialists who came yesterday gave a final decision. Justin is going to get—well."