“In the first place,” she began timidly, and then continuing with a nervous incoherent rush of words, “he will be simply delighted that you’ve really come, because he said you were the only person he would consent to see at all⁠—the only doctor, I mean. But, of course, he doesn’t know how frightened I am, or how much I have noticed. He pretends with me that it’s just a nervous breakdown, and I’m sure he doesn’t realise all the odd things I’ve noticed him doing. But the main thing, I suppose⁠—”

“Yes, the main thing, Mrs. Pender,” he said, encouragingly, noticing her hesitation.

“⁠—is that he thinks we are not alone in the house. That’s the chief thing.”

“Tell me more facts⁠—just facts.”