‘What is your name? Your own name? Your very own name?’

‘Stephen, my darling!’

‘Oh, won’t you let us see The Man, Stephen; dear Stephen! I love him so; and I do SO want to see him. It is ages till I see him! Won’t you let me? I shall be so good — Stephen!’ And she strained her closer in her little arms and kissed her all over face, cheeks and forehead and eyes and mouth wooingly. Stephen returned the embrace and the kisses, but remained silent a little longer. Then she found voice:

‘I hardly know what to say. Believe me, I should — I shall, do all I can; but the fact is that I am not in authority. The Doctor has taken him in charge and will not let anyone go near him: He will not even have