oadjutor, proud of him, eager for
him, determined to help him. But he had blocked the path to all inner
companionship. He did no more than let her share the obvious and outer
responsibilities of his life. From the vital things, if there were vital
things, she was shut out. What would she not give for one day of simple
tenderness and quiet affection, a true day with a true love!

She was now perfectly composed. She told him the substance of the
letter, of David's plight, of the fever, of the intended fight, of
Nahoum Pasha, of the peril to David's work. He continued to interrogate
her, while she could have shrieked out the question, "What is in yonder
document? What do you know? Have you news of his safety?" Would he never
stop his questioning? It was trying her strength and patience beyond
endurance. At last he drew the document slowly from the despatch-box,
and glanced up and down it musingly. "I fancy he won the battle," he
said slowly, "for they have news of him much farther down the river. But
from this letter I take it he is not yet within the zone of safety--so
Nahoum Pasha says." He flicked the document upwards with his thumb.

"What is our Government doing to help him?" she asked, checking her
eagerness.

His heart had gradually hardened towards Egypt. Power had emphasised a
certain smallness in him. Personal considerations informed the policy of
the moment. He was not going to be dragged at the chariot-wheels of
the Quaker. To be passive, when David in Egypt had asked for active
interest; to delay, when urgency was important to Claridge Pasha;
to speak coldly on Egyptian affairs to his chief, the weak Foreign
Secretary, this was the policy he had begun.

So he answered now: "It is the duty of the Egyptian Government to help
him--of Prince Kaid, of Nahoum Pasha, who is acting for him in his
absence, who governs finance, and therefore the army. Egypt does not
belong to England."

"Nahoum Pasha is his enemy. He will do nothing to help, unless you force
him."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because I know Nahoum Pasha."

"When did you know Nahoum?"

"In Egypt, years ago."

"Your acquaintance is more varied than I thought," he said
sarcastically.

"Oh, do not speak to me like that!" she returned, in a low, indignant
voice.

"Do not patronise me; do not be sarcastic."

"Do not be so sensitive," he answered unemotionally.

"You surely do not mean that you--that the Government will not help him?
He is doi