His voice deepened.
“I did not know what had happened – you just fell. Tell me – tell me what has happened to you. Why do you look so ill, Fiona? What have you been doing to yourself?”
Haltingly and hesitatingly, Fiona told him everything. He did not interrupt her, save to murmur once or twice, unconsciously clenching his fists.
When she had finished, Fiona lay there weakly and slowly tears forced their way under closed eyes and ran down her white cheeks.
Jim watched her for a moment in silence and then he rose to his feet.
“I am going to telephone,” he said casually. “You are not to move until I come back.”
“But Jim – ” she expostulated, starting to stand up.
He pressed her back again in a masterful way that she loved.
“You heard what I said,” he said gently, “you are to stay here
