“Madam, I insist on being allowed to write that letter!”

“Sir, I insist on your lying down!”

He controlled a twitching lip.

“Woe betide you unless you bring me pen and paper, Miss Betty!”

“But, dear boy, reflect! You could not use your arm.”

“I will use it!” replied Jack indomitably, but he sank back on to the pillows with his eyes closed and a tiny furrow of pain between his straight brows.

“I told you so!” scolded Miss Betty, not without a note of triumph in her voice, and proceeded to rearrange the disorderly coverlet.

The blue eyes opened wide, pleadingly.

“Madam, indeed ’tis very important.”