I asked him whether it couldn't wait till to-morrow, and he said that if I would give you a password, Vilboek's Farm, you'd be sure to see him." "Quite right, Marigold," said I."Show him in." Vilboek's Farm! Fate had driven him to me, instead of me to him.

I would see him though it killed me, and get the horrible business over for ever.
Marigold led him in and drew up a chair for him by the bedside.

After pulling on the lights and drawing the curtains, for the warm May evening was drawing to a close.
"Anything more, sir, for the present ?" he asked.
"Could I have materials for a whisky and soda to hand ?" said Boyce.
"Of course," said I.
Marigold departed.

Boyce said: "If you're too ill to stand me, send me away.

But if you can stand me, for God's sake let me talk to you." "Talk as much as you like," said I."This is only one of my stupid attacks which a man without legs has to put up with." "But Marigold--" "Marigold's an old hen," said I.
"Are you sure you're well enough?
That's the curse of not being able to see.