"And I can't be worried about these things," said Swann, in an
acrimonious voice, as they entered. "If you are not capable of settling
a simple question like that yourself, ask the office-boy to instruct you.
"It's your work," retorted Hardy, "and a nice mess it's in."
"H'sh!" said the nurse, coming forward hastily. "You must leave the
room, sir. I can't have you exciting my patient."
Hardy bestowed an indignant glance at the invalid.
"Get out!" said that gentleman, with extraordinary fierceness for one in
his weak condition. "In future, nurse, I won't have this person admitted
to my room."
"Yes, yes; certainly," said the nurse. "You must go, sir; at once,
please."
"I'm going," said Hardy, almost losing his gravity at the piteous
spectacle afforded by the house-keeper as she stood, still holding the
tray and staring open-mouthed at the combatants. "When you're tired of
skulking in bed, perhaps you'll come and do your share of the work."
Mr. Swann rose to a sitting position, and his demeanour was so alarming
that the nurse, hastening over to him, entreated him to lie down, and
waved Hardy peremptorily from the room.
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