I did not take much to the idea, I don't know why, and personally should not have acceded to it had it not been for a curious circumstance.

The last consultation took place in the big drawing-room at Ragnall.

When it was over my wife remained with her mother at one end of the room while I and the doctors talked together at the other, as I thought quite out of her earshot.

Presently, however, she called to me, saying in a perfectly clear and natural voice: "'Yes, George, I will go to Egypt.

I should like to go to Egypt.' Then she went on playing with the necklace and talking to the imaginary child.
"Again on the following morning as I came into her room to kiss her, she exclaimed, "'When do we start for Egypt?
Let it be soon.' "With these sayings the doctors were very pleased, declaring that they showed signs of a returning interest in life and begging me not to thwart her wish.
"So I gave way and in the end we went to Egypt together with Lady Longden, who insisted upon accompanying us although she is a wretched sailor.