The Doctor explained. "It is going to tear me to pieces if she takes it like this. She was half-delirious all night, and begged and begged—"
"She doesn't want you to go?"
The Doctor ran his fingers through his hair. "Well, we've been a lot to each other. But she's such a little sport—and patriotic—nobody more so. She won't feel this way when she's herself again."
Derry stood drearily at the window looking out. "You think then she won't be able to see me for several days? I had planned such a lot of things."
The Doctor dropped a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Life has a way of spoiling our plans, hasn't it? I had hoped for old age with Jean's mother."
That was something for youth to think of—of life spoiling things—of lonely old age!
"I wish," Derry said, after a pause, "that you'd let me marry her before you go."
"No, no," sharply, "she's too young, Drake. And you haven't known each other long enough."
"Things move rapidly in these days, sir."
The Doctor agreed. "It is one of the significant developments. We had become material. And now fire and flame. But all the more reason why I should keep my head. Jean will be safe here with Emily. And you may go any day."