“You’ll not stay too long?” she suggested mildly. “Ten minutes, I should think. He’s not very strong yet.” But Gita was crossing the hall, apparently afflicted with deafness. She hesitated a moment with her hand on the knob, her knees shaking a little. What would be his cue? Well, whatever it was she would take it. Invalids must be humored. Bylant was propped up in the bed, very pale and thin, but he smiled whimsically and put out his hand. She shook it limply and sank down into a chair by the bed, her gaze wandering to the window. His voice was as whimsical as his eyes. “You served me right, my dear,” he said. “Don’t imagine I’ve held it against you for a moment.” “Of course I didn’t know it was you,” she muttered. “Of course not! And I hope you won’t hesitate to shoot the next man who breaks into your house. Be sure it will not be I!” Gita stirred uneasily. But she was relieved that the interview was not to be pitched in the tragic key. Trust Eustace to carry anything off! “It is I who should ask to be forgiven,” he continued. “But I went progressively mad after you left. Do you remember a book I once gave you to read—‘The Cave Man Within Us’? Well, the cave man in me got the best of several centuries of superimpositions. I remember Darwin says somewhere that man, even in the best of our poor civilizations, is so close to the incalculable æons of savagery behind us, the wonder is the veneer remains on him at all. But I promise you that my veneer shan’t rub off again.” “Your psychology failed you,” said Gita dryly. “It did!” he said smiling. “It did!” She thrust out her foot and gazed at the toe of her shoe. She reminded herself she must not excite him but she would have liked a “show-down” then and there. She glanced up. He was looking at her pleadingly. “You haven’t said you forgive me.” “Oh, yes, of course I forgive you. Forget it and get well.” She rose but he put out his hand and detained her. “I’d like you to stay.” “The nurse only gave me ten minutes.” “Damn the nurse.” “And Elsie telephoned she was coming. She must be downstairs now. It’s the first time. She thinks I shot you on purpose. Elsie is a very loyal friend of yours—more than she is of mine!” “Is she?” His voice was indifferent. “I’ll ask her to read to you as soon as you are better.” “I detest being read to. It makes me nervous.” “Well, tell you all the news, then. You know you’ll be glad to see her——” “I want to see you. You’ll come in every day?” His eyes were entreating but his face was composed. Not likely he would make a fool of himself twice. “Oh—of course—as often as you like. I owe you that much.” And she smiled ruefully. But she gave a deep inner sigh of relief as the nurse opened the door with a sprightly: “Time’s up, Mrs. Bylant.” “Mrs. Bylant!” CHAPTER XIX She found Elsie at the window of the drawing-room watching her brother and Polly Pleyden, who were retreating down a path.