‘I have already explained,’ she answered with a degree of constraint.
‘Yes, I understand,’ he said dreamily. ‘Mine is a selfish way of considering the matter. I grudge every moment that what I—prize most, is out of sight. I suppose it is because we feel how short the time is we can possess our treasures, that in growing old we grow selfish.’
‘But you are not an old man, Mr Hadleigh.’ She was trying to find something gentle to say.
He shook his head.
‘I know men who are nearly twice my age in years and yet are boys compared with me. I feel very old just now.’
‘But you know his absence will not be long.’
‘True—his absence will not be long.... Here is Dr Guy.—Well, doctor, what news do you bring us now?’
They had entered through the conservatory, and encountered the doctor on the way to seek his host.
‘He has had a rest, and there is not much harm done. But it was foolish of him not to lie up at once and send for us.’
‘Miss Heathcote would like to see him.’