ton laughed disagreeably and offered her more tea which she accepted,
not knowing whether he was not after all the most churlish being she had
ever met.

"I wish I could understand you, Doctor, but I never shall," she sighed
hopelessly, as she endeavoured to make herself comfortable among the
tumbled bed-clothes. "I give you up as a difficult riddle."

"You want your bed re-made," he returned changing the subject. "Shall I
do it for you?"

"You?--I can't fancy your bed-making!"

"I'll show you that I can do that as well as most other things. But
you'll have to move out."

The cane lounge had been put out of the way and was not within easy
walking distance for a shaky invalid; nevertheless Joyce was determined
to try. While he transferred the cushions, she rolled herself in a shawl
and made a brave effort to walk across, only to be overcome by
giddiness.

Dalton was in time to save her from falling and she was carried clinging
in her panic to the column of his neck. "You shouldn't have attempted
it," he scolded.

"But I liked the way you swung me off my feet!" she said contentedly.

"It is not one of my duties to wait hand and foot on my patients, I
would have you understand," he said grimly with a lurking twinkle in his
eye, wondering, the while, whether the giddiness was another pose. "It
seems you like being fussed over," he remarked before laying her down
among the cushions.

"I love it!" she cooed ingenuously. "It's the only reason I don't mind
being sick, to have Ray fuss and carry me about."

He put her down immediately with the familiar expression of indulgent
satire in his eyes. "You'll probably get plenty of fussing from
everyone; but, in the case of the boys, remember to be merciful."

"What on earth do you mean?"

"There are some young fools who might, if encouraged, lose their heads,
you know."

"But there'd be no excuse, for I never flirt."

"Pardon me, you flirt like an artist."

Joyce thought it was horrid of him to say so, and wondered if she should
snub him for his impertinence; only she did not quite know how. He had
been so kind--perhaps he was only teasing? However she was reduced to
offended silence while he made her bed with skill and expedition. He was
not anxious that her husband arrive and find him so employed, and was
glad to restore Mrs. Meredith to her nest of pillows without
interruptions from without. Her utter lack of concern, either way, was
illuminating, so that he ha