He laid his hand on my arm and drew me aside mysteriously.

The ship's doctor was there, playing a quiet game of poker with a few of the passengers.

"I beg your pardon, Dr.
Cumberledge," he began, in an undertone, "could you come outside with me a minute?
Lady Meadowcroft has sent me up to you with a message." I followed him on to the open deck.

"It is quite impossible, my dear sir," I said, shaking my head austerely, for I divined his errand.

"I can't go and see Lady Meadowcroft.