'What is the matter ?' The muscles of his face relaxed, it seemed automatically, as if there were no soul behind.

He laughed a dry ironic laugh.

'Never mind.

You mustn't speak.' He felt her pulse, examined her as a doctor might have done--all without a word, and straightened the blankets and pillows.
'You must have food,' he said, and went out.

She heard him calling Maggie.