lbow and which he was investigating
while he ate. Now and then he gave concise and somewhat peremptory
instructions, which Scott jotted down in a note-book with business-like
rapidity. No casual observer would have taken them for brothers that
morning. They were employer and secretary.

Only when the last letter had been discussed and laid aside did the elder
abruptly abandon his aloof attitude to ask a question upon a more
intimate matter.

"Did Isabel go without a sleeping-draught last night?"

Scott shook his head.

Eustace's frown became even more pronounced. "Did Biddy administer it on
her own?"

"No. I authorized it." Scott's voice was low. He met his brother's look
with level directness.

Eustace leaned towards him across the table. "I won't have it, Stumpy,"
he said very decidedly. "I told you so yesterday."

"I know." Very steadily Scott made answer. "But last night there was no
alternative. It is impossible to do the thing suddenly. She has hardly
got over the journey yet."

"Rubbish!" said Eustace curtly.

Scott slightly raised his shoulders, and said no more.

"It comes to this," Eustace said, speaking with stern insistence. "If you
can't--or won't--assert your authority, I shall assert mine. It is all a
question of influence."

"Or forcible persuasion," said Scott, with a touch of irony.

"Very well. Call it that! It is in a good cause. If you haven't the
strength of mind, I have; and I shall exercise it. These drugs must be
taken away. Can't you see it's the only possible thing to do?"

"Not yet," Scott said. He was still facing his brother's grim regard very
gravely and unflinchingly. "I tell you, man, it is too soon. She is
better than she used to be. She is calmer, more reasonable. We must do
the thing gradually, if at all. To interfere forcibly would do infinitely
more harm than good. I know what I am saying. I know her far better than
you do now. I am in closer touch with her. You are out of sympathy. You
only startle her when you try to persuade her to anything. You must leave
her to me. I understand her. I know how to help her."

"You haven't achieved much in the last seven years," Eustace observed.

"But I have achieved something." Scott's answer was wholly free from
resentment. He spoke with quiet confidence. "I know it's a slow process.
But she is moving in the right direction. Give her time, old chap! I
firmly believe that she will come back to us by slow degrees."

"Damnably