but when he did, Melrose was each time freshly amazed to discover that,
in becoming his factotum, Dixon had not altogether ceased to be a man.

Melrose entered the house by the front door. As he walked into the hall,
making not the slightest effort to moderate the noise of his approach,
another woman--also in white cap and apron--ran toward him, with quick
noiseless steps from the corridor, her finger on her lip.

"Please, sir!--it is most important for the patient that the house should
be absolutely quiet."

"I tell you the house is mine!" said Melrose, positively stamping. "What
business have you--or the other one--to give orders in it? I'll turn you
all out!--you shall march, I tell you!"

The nurse--an older woman than the first who had spoken to him
outside--drew back with dignity.

"I am sorry if I offended you, sir. I was summoned from Carlisle this
morning as night nurse to an urgent case. I have been helping the other
nurse all day, for Mr. Faversham has wanted a great deal of attention. I
am now just going on duty, while the day nurse takes some rest."

"Show me where he is," said Melrose peremptorily. "I wish to see him."

The nurse hesitated. But if this was really the master of the house, it
was difficult to ignore him entirely. She looked at his feet.

"You'll come in quietly, sir? I am afraid--your boots--"