"It isn't that—there are complications that I don't care to discuss with servants."
"You mean he has been drinking?"
"Yes. Heavily. You realize that's a rather serious thing for a man of his age."
"I know it. But there's nothing to be done."
"What makes you say that?"
"We've tried specialists—cures. I've been half around the world with him."
The Doctor nodded. "It's hard to pull up at that age."
"My mother's life was spent in trying to help him. He's a dear old chap, really."
"There is, of course, the possibility that he may get a grip on himself."
Derry's languor left him. "Do you think there's the least hope of it? Frankly? No platitudes?"