"But the course of it doesn't run smooth.

It's the old story.
She's monopolized, as usual; trammeled by a rash engagement to some poor man who is never likely to get money enough to marry her.

It was lucky I heard of it in time, or I should certainly have risked a declaration when she gave me that drawing.

Here, doctor, here is pen, ink, and paper all ready for you." "When she gave you that drawing?
Gave it?
gave it ?" He repeated the words slowly to himself, and suddenly closed his eyes.

A momentary distortion passed across his face, and I saw one of his hands clutch up the bedclothes and squeeze them hard.