"If Madame will finish the medication," Doctor Leduc interrupted her thoughts, rising once more and moving noiselessly around the room to soften the lights and cover the porthole with its drape. Janet watched him with some wonderment, further surprised when he lighted a small lamp placed upon the corner of his desk, its almost flickering ray directed upon her lap. He took her emptied glass placing it on a tray, then reseated himself. She could scarcely see his face in the shadow beyond the lamp, but his voice came to her in a rich, deep tone that seemed to comfort her. Truly, she had commenced to relax, her tensions easing inside her, even the burning distress between her bruised, tender thighs had begun to subside. She leaned back emitting a long soulful sigh. It was so good to be at ease again after the long night of horror she had just gone through.

"There, Madame, now that you've become yourself once more, perhaps we can discuss this problem that's reared its ugly head between you and your handsome husband. Make yourself as comfortable as you can, but try to hold your head erect… in a normal position. The influence in the relaxing nerve-centers of the neck will be much more rapid. Keep both feet flat upon the floor… there, that's fine, you look much more comfortable. How do you feel?"

She allowed herself an unrestrained little laugh. "Loose," she replied, "quite loose."

"Ahhh then, that's fine," he said pleasantly, and the ray of the near kaleidoscopic glow seemed abruptly to concentrate on the large amethyst stone in the engagement ring Paul had given her. "That is a lovely gem, Madame Arden," he commented.

"Yes… it's my engagement ring."

"Splendid stone," Doctor Leduc praised with hardly an inflection of tone to his rich voice. "Notice how it sparkles in this light?"