“But I must see her. I am an old friend. Please take her my card. Lady Cicely Treherne.”
The maid hesitated, and looked confused. “Perhaps you don't know, ma'am. Mrs. Staines, she is—the doctor have been in the house all day.”
“Ah, the doctor! I believe Dr. Philip Staines is here.”
“Why, that IS the doctor, ma'am. Yes, he is here.”
“Then, pray let me see him—or no; I had better see Mr. Lusignan.”
“Master have gone out for the day, ma'am; but if you'll step in the drawing-room, I'll tell the doctor.”
Lady Cicely waited in the drawing-room some time, heart-sick and trembling.
At last Dr. Philip came in, with her card in his hand, looking evidently a little cross at the interruption. “Now, madam, please tell me, as briefly as you can, what I can do for you.”
“Are you Dr. Philip Staines?”
“I am, madam, at your service—for five minutes. Can't quit my patient long, just now.”