Priscilla turned from helping Huntter and began arranging the glorious
mass of roses in the brass bowls.

"What time is it, Miss Glynn?"

"Eleven o'clock."

"And my friend is due at eleven-thirty. She will be here on the minute.
I feel like a boy, Miss Glynn. One gets the doldrums being alone and
convalescing. How the grim devils catch and hold you while they try to
distort life! I must have been a sad trial to you, but I'm myself again.
Tell me, honest true, Miss Glynn, just how have I come out in your
estimation? A man is no hero to his valet. What is he to his trained
nurse?"

"You have been very patient and considerate." Priscilla's back was turned
to Huntter; her face was quivering.

"Negative virtues! Had I been a brute you would have gone. I might have
had the night nurse for twenty-four hours. I dared not run the risk of
letting you go."

"I've come out pretty well in _your_ estimation? That's a feather in my
nice, white cap," she said.

"I wonder why I care what you think of me?"

"I do not know, Mr. Huntter, except that we all care for the good opinion
of those who wish us well."