"Now!" said she.
The stimulant brought a shade of colour into his ghastly cheeks, and the old quick, intelligent gleam came back into his deep sunk eyes.
"A remarkable woman, gentlemen," said he, "a very noteworthy woman.
I had prided myself that my willpower was the most powerful in the country--I had never met any to match it--but I do not mind admitting that, for firmness and tenacity, this lady is my equal.

She was anxious that I should adopt one course of action.

I was determined to adopt another.

Your presence here is a proof that she has prevailed." He paused for breath, and she gave him another small sip of the brandy.
"I execute her will ungrudgingly and with the conviction that it is the right and proper course for me to take," he continued.

"You will forgive me some of the ill which I have done you, Maisie, when I tell you that I really died this morning--all unknown to Cumberledge and you--and that nothing but my will force has sufficed to keep spirit and body together until I should carry out your will in the manner which you suggested.