“But if anything happens-?”

“Send then.”

An expression of obstinate calm overspread Sir Richmond’s face.  He seemed to regard the matter as settled.  He closed his eyes.

For a time Dr. Martineau desisted.  He went to the window and turned to look again at the impassive figure on the bed.  Did Sir Richmond fully understand?  He made a step towards his patient and hesitated.  Then he brought a chair and sat down at the bedside.

Sir Richmond opened his eyes and regarded him with a slight frown.

“A case of pneumonia,” said the doctor, “after great exertion and fatigue, may take very rapid and unexpected turns.”

Sir Richmond, cheek on pillow, seemed to assent.

“I think if you want to be sure that Lady Hardy sees you again—...  If you don’t want to take risks about that—...  One never knows in these cases.  Probably there is a night train.”

Sir Richmond manifested no surprise at the warning.  But he stuck to his point.  His voice was faint but firm.  “Couldn’t make up anything to say to her.  Anything she’d like.”

Dr. Martineau rested on that for a little while.  Then he said:  “If there is anyone else?”

“Not possible,” said Sir Richmond, with his eyes on the ceiling.

“But to see?”

Sir Richmond turned his head to Dr. Martineau.  His face puckered like a peevish child’s.  “They’d want things said to them...Things to remember...I can’t.  I’m tired out.”

“Don’t trouble,” whispered Dr. Martineau, suddenly remorseful.

But Sir Richmond was also remorseful.  “Give them my love,” he said.  “Best love...Old Martin.  Love.”

Dr. Martineau was turning away when Sir Richmond spoke again in a whisper.  “Best love...Poor at the best....”  He dozed for a time.  Then he made a great effort.  “I can’t see them, Martineau, until I’ve something to say.  It’s like that.  Perhaps I shall think of some kind things to say—­after a sleep.  But if they came now...I’d say something wrong.  Be cross perhaps.  Hurt someone.  I’ve hurt so many.  People exaggerate...People exaggerate—­importance these occasions.”

“Yes, yes,” whispered Dr. Martineau.  “I quite understand.”

Section 4

For a time Sir Richmond dozed.  Then he stirred and muttered.  “Second rate...  Poor at the best...  Love...  Work.  All...”

“It had been splendid work,” said Dr. Martineau, and was not sure that Sir Richmond heard.

“Those last few days... lost my grip...  Always lose my damned grip.

“Ragged them....  Put their backs up....Silly....

“Never....  Never done anything—­well....

“It’s done.  Done.  Well or ill....

“Done.”

His voice sank to the faintest whisper.  “Done for ever and ever... and ever... and ever.”

Again he seemed to doze.