e would have expected of her. Had she done it
to throw dust in the eyes of his sister and himself, so that she could
the more safely indulge her friendship with Captain Holliday? No doubt
that was it. Unless, of course, she herself had made a mistake, was
doing the young wife a gross injustice.

"Perhaps I'm too quick at jumping at conclusions," Esther reflected.
"What have I got to go on except an expression on Lady Clifford's face
when she didn't know I was watching her? In any case, she's doing her
utmost for him; I've even heard her say if he got worse she was going
to call a consultation. There's the proof, right there. Why should I
worry?"

Whether from the firmness of her resolution or from the prospect of the
drive in the afternoon, she did succeed in banishing the whole matter
from her thoughts. She was happy at the anticipation of seeing
something of the neighbouring countryside, happier still to think that
Roger Clifford had cared to invite her to go with him. Her experience
with men had taught her the great if simple truth that they did not ask
one from a sense of duty.

She had just settled her patient for his afternoon nap when Roger
returned, warm and sunburned.

"Get ready as soon as you can," he bade her. "Let's make the most of
the sunshine. Put on a warm coat; the car's an open one."

In ten minutes' time she was seated beside him in the little Citroen,
speeding along smooth roads out into the country. After the
confinement of her work she felt gloriously exhilarated, leaning back
with the sharp wind in her face, revelling in the view of the
mountains, enthusiastic as a child.

"I suppose you've been to Nice and Monte Carlo?" he suggested.

"Me? Indeed I haven't; I've not been anywhere yet. I came here with a
patient, and exactly a week later I started to work for Dr. Sartorius."

"Then you've everything before you. How I wish I could take you about
sight-seeing a bit! If only these places were a trifle nearer! ...
Still, when my father is convalescent we must see what can be done."

"It would be heavenly! It's so stupid going alone, hardly any fun at
all.... Of course, I don't know what the doctor would think if I began
running about like that. He probably wouldn't approve."

"Do you like him?" asked her companion suddenly.

"Dr. Sartorius?" she replied, knitting her brows. "I hardly know....
I suppose the fact is I neither like nor dislike him. I admire him
very much