"Doctor Copin," I said, "I wish you'd let me know exactly what Miss
Fielding's condition is, and what hopes you have for her recovery."
"Did she ask you to interrogate me?" he asked blandly.
"In a way, she did. But I do so, nevertheless, quite on my own
responsibility, as a friend who is very much interested in her case."
"Then I must decline to answer. You are aware, I suppose, that Miss
Fielding has had her own reasons for not wishing the matter to be
discussed?"
"I'm perfectly aware of that, but I think that, as I now know all the
essential facts, it can't possibly matter to her. On the other hand, I
can help, perhaps."
"I didn't know you were a specialist in nervous diseases--or even a
psychologist," he answered in a sneering tone.
"I am neither, but I have common sense enough to perceive that her
trouble is approaching a crisis. That, in fact, is my sole
justification for staying on here."
"Oh, if that's all, you can go any time. I'm quite able to cope with the
situation, I assure you."
"Doctor Copin, I insist upon having a statement of what you are doing in
this matter. I speak as the representative of Miss Fielding--the real
Miss Fielding."
He turned to me now with his thin lips drawn back, showing his even line
of false teeth, in a cruel, selfish smile. "Insist?" he repeated. "You
have hardly that right, whatever Miss Fielding has said."
"I certainly do have that right!" I maintained.
He stopped in his tracks and confronted me. "Why?" he demanded.
The time had come for me to play my bluff.
"Because I am engaged to Miss Fielding!" I announced curtly.
He scowled fiercely. "You are!" he retorted. "Very well, then, I have
as good a right to refuse to answer you!"