I--I can't think of any better reasons, just now." "H'm!" mused Standish, frowning down on the recumbent man, and then looking across in perplexity at Claire.
What he read in the girl's eyes seemed to shame him, just a little.

For, as he turned back to Gavin, there was an apologetic aspect on his bearded face.

Brice decided to force the playing.

Before his host could speak or Claire could interfere, he rose to a sitting position, with some effort and more pain, and, clutching the head of the couch, lurched to his feet.
"No, no!" called Claire, running forward to support him as he swayed a bit.

"Don't try to stand! Lie down again! You're as white as a ghost." But Gavin drew courteously away from her supporting arm and faced Milo.
"I can only thank you," said he, "for patching me up so well.
I'm a lot better, now.