Alexander remained silent as he pulled open the wooden door and strode out.

Ivy took his silence as agreement. Delighted, she hurried to bring her master his meal.

Samuel, returning for dinner, ran into Alexander leaving. Looking unwell, he asked, "Where are you going? Isn't dinner ready?"

Alexander stopped, turned back to face Samuel, and asked expressionlessly, "You have heart failure?"

"Yes," Samuel didn't deny it.

"Not much time left?"

"I don't know ...