ago, the Brig told him sternly.
He is right, David. You are being unfair to her. She must have time to
come to terms, latitude for adjustment.
I'll tell her when I get the opportunity, David muttered doggedly.
When will that be? the Brig demanded, the gold tooth glowing angrily in
its hirry nest.
Soon.
David, Ruby was placatory, it could happen at any time now. She has
made strong and vigorous progress, it could happen much sooner than I
expected. I'll do it, said David.
Can't you stop pushing me? I said I'll do it, and I will. just get off
my back, won't you.
Right. The Brig was brisk now. You've got until noon tomorrow. If you
haven't told her by then, I'm going to do it.
You're a hard old bastard, aren't you. David said bitterly, and anger
paled the Brig's lips and they could see the effort he made to force it
down.
I understand your reluctance, he spoke carefully. I sympathize.
However, my first and only concern is for Debra. You are indulging
yourself, David. You are wallowing in self-pity, but I am not going to
allow that to hurt her more. She has had enough. No more delay. Tell
her, and have done.
Yes, David nodded, all the fight gone out of him. I will tell her.
When? the Brig persisted.
Tomorrow, said David. I will tell her tomorrow morning.
It was a bright warm morning, and the garden below his room was gay with
colour. David lingered over breakfast in his suite, and he read all of
the morning papers from end to end, drawing out the moment to its
utmost. He dressed with care afterwards, in a dark suit and a soft
lilac shirt, then, when he was ready to leave, he surveyed his image in
the full-length mirror of the dressing-room.
It's been a long time, and I'm still not at ease with you, he told the
figure in the mirror. Let's pray that somebody loves you more than I
do.
The doorman had a cab ready for him under the portico, and he settled in
the back seat with the leaden feeling in his stomach. The drive seemed
much shorter this morning, and when he paid off the cab and climbed the
steps to the main entrance of Groote Schuur, he glanced at his
wrist-watch. It was a few minutes after eleven o'clock. He was hardly
aware of the curious glances as he crossed the lobby to the elevators.
The Brig was waiting for him in the visitors room on Debra's floor. He
came out into the corridor, tall and grim, and unfamiliar in his
civilian clothes.
What are you doing here? David demanded, it was the ultimate intrusion
and he resented it fiercely. I thought I might be of help.
Good on you! said David sardonically, making no effort to hide his
anger.
The Brig let the anger slide past him, not acknowledging it with either
word or expression as he asked mildly, Would you like me to be with you?
No. David turned away from him as he spoke. I can manage, thank you,
