ll I say?--_clouded_. Yes, that's the right word. It
expresses exactly the truth. There is a cloud hanging over her,
shutting out the sun. Her memory is impaired, so that she does not
remember any actual event; but there is an impression of horror and
dread. It is ten years since the accident, and the cloud has not
lifted. She lives with our doctor and his wife; they are good, honest
people, and do their best; but I wish sometimes she could have a change.
At the best of times they are not her type, and after ten years
together--"

"You say that the cloud has not lifted. Is she _no_ better than at the
beginning of the time?"

"Oh, yes! When one looks back over the years one can see that there is
improvement. Her health is better, and she has lost her dread of
society. At times, as you saw her to-day, one would hardly realise that
she was not normal. But the cloud falls. She is always sweet, always
gentle, but terrible, terribly sad."

"But she _is_ better," Rupert insisted. "She is going to get quite
well. I am going to make her well... Mrs Melhuish"--he leaned
forward, his hand on the arm of her chair--"you are my very kind friend.
It is only right that I should tell you at once.--I am going to marry
Eve Bisdee!"

"My _dear_ Rupert!" cried Mrs Melhuish deeply. Her face flushed, her
mild eye showed a flash of anger. She was shocked--more than shocked,
outraged. Her voice took an edge of coldness. "Really, this is too
much. Eve is a most appealing creature, and it is natural that a man
should feel chivalrous and protective when he hears her history. But
marriage! That's unthinkable! It offends me. Please think of what you
are saying!"

Rupert lifted his hand and laid it gently on hers. They were old
friends, these two, and for years back had been able to speak together
frankly without fear of offence.

"Wait!" he said. "Listen to what I have to say before you give your
verdict. What I propose to do may be unusual, but it is eminently sane.
I propose to change places with that doctor, and to see what I can do
towards removing that cloud. There is only one way in which I can gain
the right, and that is by going through a form of marriage. Therefore a
form of marriage it must be. Don't look at me in that commiserating
manner, dear lady! This is not philanthropy, it's not pity. I am going
to undertake this thing because I want to do it more than anything on
earth! Now do you understand