"No, I do not so far flatter myself," he said.

"I was referring to my cigarette." She entered, striving for dignity.

Then as his attitude caught her attention she forgot herself and turned upon him in genuine dismay.
"What are you doing out of bed?
You know you are not fit for it.

Oh, how wrong of you! Take my arm!" He transferred his hand from the door to her shoulder, and she felt it tremble though his hold was strong.
"May I not sit up to tea with you, nurse _sahib_ ?" he suggested, as she piloted him firmly to the bedside.
"Of course not," she made answer.

The consciousness of his weakness had fully restored her confidence and her authority.