Joe’s futility certainly had something of the comic order about it.  He had a dramatic fashion of rolling his eyes when expectant of rebuke, which was by no means seldom.  And the vastness of his smile was almost bewildering.  Sylvia had never been able quite to accustom herself to his smile.

“He’s exactly like a golliwog, isn’t he?” said Guy.  “His head will split in two if you encourage him.”

But Sylvia, hot and anxious, found it impossible to view Joe’s exhibition with enjoyment.  He was more stupid in the execution of her behests than she had ever found him before, and at length, losing patience, she dismissed him and proceeded to erect the bed herself.

She was in the midst of this when there came the sound of a step in the room, and Guy’s quick,

“Hullo!” told her of the entrance of a third person.  She stood up sharply, and met Burke face to face.

She was panting a little from her exertions, and her hand went to her side.  For the moment a horrible feeling of discomfiture overwhelmed her.  His look was so direct; it seemed to go straight through her.

“What is this for?” he said.

She mastered her embarrassment with a swift effort.  “Guy said you slept on the floor last night.  I am sure it wasn’t very comfortable, so I have brought this in instead.  You don’t mind?” with a glance at him that held something of appeal.

“I mind you putting it up yourself,” he said briefly.  “Sit down!  Where’s that lazy hound, Joe?”

“Oh, don’t call Joe!” Guy begged.  “He has already reduced her to exasperation.  She won’t listen to me either when I tell her that I can look after myself at night.  You tell her, Burke!  She’ll listen to you perhaps.”

But Burke ended the matter without further discussion by putting her on one side and finishing the job himself.  Then he stood up.

“Let Mary Ann do the rest!  You have been working too hard.  Come, and have some lunch!  You’ll be all right, Guy?”

“Oh, quite,” Guy assured him.  “Mary Ann can take care of me.  She’ll enjoy it.”

Sylvia looked back at him over her shoulder as she went out, but she did not linger.  There was something imperious about Burke just then.

They entered the sitting-room together.  “Look here!” he said.  “You’re not to tire yourself out.  Guy is convalescent now.  Let him look after himself for a bit!”

“I haven’t been doing anything for Guy,” she objected.  “Only I can’t have you sleeping on the floor.”

“What’s it matter,” he said gruffly, “where or how I sleep?” And then suddenly he took her by the shoulders and held her before him.  “Just look at me a moment!” he said.

It was a definite command.  She lifted her eyes, but the instant they met his that overwhelming confusion came upon her again.  His gaze was so intent, so searching.  All her defences seemed to go down before it.