It took him some seconds to recover speech.
"On my way here," he said at length, "I made some small inquiries, and find that some days ago Nurse Branscome ceased her attendance on Bonaday, handing over the case to our excellent Nurse Turner.
This, of course, may mean little." "It may mean that Brother Copas has taken occasion to warn her." "It means, anyhow, that--whether prudently or by accident--she has given pause to the scandal.

In this pause I can, perhaps, make occasion to get at the truth; always with your leave, of course." "There can be no question of my giving leave or withholding it.
You have received a private letter, which you perceive I have no desire to read.

You must act upon it as directed by your own--er-- taste.

And now shall we talk of something else ?" He said it with a mild dignity which effectively closed the discussion and left Mr.Colt raging.

In and about St.Hospital nine observers out of ten would have told you that the Chaplain held this dear, do-nothing old Master in the hollow of his hand, and on nine occasions out of ten the Chaplain felt sure of it.