“Even if I’m not properly satisfied,” he answered, “what can I do? In her husband’s house, you know—I can’t make a row.” “Why can’t you?” He looked at her, startled and uneasy. Her question was ridiculous. Why couldn’t he make a row? Simply because he couldn’t; because he wasn’t that sort; because it wasn’t done; because almost anything was preferable to making a row. “Of course, if you have a blind faith in Dr. Quelton—” she persisted. “Well, I haven’t,” he admitted; “but—” “Then let’s go upstairs and see her. The doctor has gone out.” “But the nurse—” “Put on your best commanding officer’s air,” said Lexy. “You can be awfully impressive when you like. If I were you, there’s nothing I’d stop at.” “Yes, but look here—what can I say to Quelton when he hears about it?” “Laugh it off,” said Lexy. The idea of Captain Grey trying to laugh off anything made her grin from ear to ear. “Not much of a joke, though, is it?” he said rather stiffly. “Suppose he hoofs us out of the house?” “Oh, dear!” cried Lexy. “You’re not a bit resourceful! Let’s try it, anyhow. It’s horrible to think of her shut up like that. Perhaps she’s longing to see you.” He rose. “Right-o!” he said. “Let’s try it!” Together they went up the stairs and down the hall of the other wing, opposite that in which Lexy’s room was. Captain Grey knocked on a door, and a quiet, middle-aged little nurse came out. “I’ll just pop in to see how my sister’s getting on,” said the young man, and Lexy silently applauded his toploftical manner. “I’m sorry,” said the little nurse, “but Dr. Quelton has given strict orders—” “Er—yes, quite so!” he interrupted suavely. “I shan’t stop a minute.” He came nearer, but the nurse drew back and stood with her back against the door. “Dr. Quelton has given strict orders—” she repeated. “No more of that, please!” he said with a frown. “I’m going to see Mrs. Quelton for a moment. Stand aside, please!” He did not raise his voice, but the quality of it was oddly changed. Lexy felt a thrill of pleasure in its cool assurance and authority. Perhaps he objected very much to “making a row,” but what a glorious row he could make if he chose! If he would only once face Dr. Quelton like this! “Stand aside, if you please!” he repeated, and the poor little nurse, very much flustered, did so. “I’m afraid Dr. Quelton will be—” she began, but Captain Grey had already entered the room. The nurse followed him, closing the door after her. Lexy opened it at once and went in after them. She caught a glimpse of the young man and the nurse vanishing through one of the long windows that led out to the balcony. For a moment she hesitated, looking about her at the big, dim room. The dark shades were pulled down, and not a trace of the spring’s brightness entered here. Then she heard Captain Grey’s voice speaking. “My dear, my dear!” he said. “Can I do anything in the world for you? My dear!”