Part 56 (1/2)
”Oh, dearest, do go away, and I will manage it all.”
”Manage what?”
He stretched out his hand for the keys. She might have obeyed if it had not been for the doctor.
”Stop that at least,” she said piteously; the doctor had turned back, and was questioning the driver of Helen's cab. A new feeling came over her; she was fighting for women against men. She did not care about rights, but if men came into Howards End, it should be over her body.
”Come, this is an odd beginning,” said her husband.
The doctor came forward now, and whispered two words to Mr. Wilc.o.x--the scandal was out. Sincerely horrified, Henry stood gazing at the earth.
”I cannot help it,” said Margaret. ”Do wait. It's not my fault. Please all four of you go away now.”
Now the flyman was whispering to Crane.
”We are relying on you to help us, Mrs. Wilc.o.x,” said the young doctor.
”Could you go in and persuade your sister to come out?”
”On what grounds?” said Margaret, suddenly looking him straight in the eyes.
Thinking it professional to prevaricate, he murmured something about a nervous breakdown.
”I beg your pardon, but it is nothing of the sort. You are not qualified to attend my sister, Mr. Mansbridge. If we require your services, we will let you know.”
”I can diagnose the case more bluntly if you wish,” he retorted.
”You could, but you have not. You are, therefore, not qualified to attend my sister.”
”Come, come, Margaret!” said Henry, never raising his eyes. ”This is a terrible business, an appalling business. It's doctor's orders. Open the door.”
”Forgive me, but I will not.”
”I don't agree.”
Margaret was silent.
”This business is as broad as it's long,” contributed the doctor. ”We had better all work together. You need us, Mrs. Wilc.o.x, and we need you.”
”Quite so,” said Henry.
”I do not need you in the least,” said Margaret.
The two men looked at each other anxiously.
”No more does my sister, who is still many weeks from her confinement.”
”Margaret, Margaret!”
”Well, Henry, send your doctor away. What possible use is he now?”
Mr. Wilc.o.x ran his eye over the house. He had a vague feeling that he must stand firm and support the doctor. He himself might need support, for there was trouble ahead.