“When? Oh, any time that may be most convenient to the gentleman.”

“Any time is no time, Dr. Bourne. You had better state the day and the hour.”

“Certainly. Will to-morrow evening suit?”

“Very well, I should imagine. And at what hour?”

“Let me see. I am rather busy, it is true; but will eight o’clock do, or between that and nine?”

“It will suit Shearman, if it does you.”

“So be it, then; I will be in then, and shall be glad to receive your friend between eight and nine o’clock.”

“Agreed, doctor; I will make a point of being here. I am quite sure of that.”

“Shall I have the pleasure of seeing you as well?”

“I cannot promise; besides, it would be perhaps advisable for him to confer with you without the presence of a third party. The case has been entrusted to him to conduct.”