The two turned from each other without further words, and Geoffrey took a step to where the doctor stood.
"I came to have a word with you," he said, and together they went into the consulting room.
Scarcely had the door closed behind them, when Geoffrey drew the telegram from his pocket.
"I have just found this from Lady Oxted," he said. "Probably she has telegraphed the same to you. Now, how did Harry come here, and what has passed between you?"
The doctor glanced at the sheet.
"Yes, she telegraphed to me also," he said. "Harry's coming was pure luck. He wanted me to go with him down to Vail, to see if anything can be done for Mr. Francis. I hope," he added, with a humour too grim for smiles, "to be able to do a great deal for Mr. Francis."
"So you are going, thank the Lord!" said Geoffrey. "And do you believe in this illness?"
"He may have had another attack," said the doctor with a shrug; "indeed, it is not improbable after the agitation of yesterday. Again, he may not, and it is a subtle man."
"It is a trap, you mean, to get Harry there."
"Possibly, and if so, a trap laid in a hurry. Else he would never have telegraphed to Harry at Lady Oxted's. He might have guessed it would be passed on to us. I am sorry, by the way, that you could not manage to say 'yes' to his wish that you should go with him. But I respect you for saying 'no.'"