"I'll chance that," said the doctor grimly. "She'd only tell me that fits are a disease of the nervous system, and should be shown as N.S. on all Hospital returns."
He told himself that if Lady Vivian wanted to see Miss Jones it was preposterous that she should not be allowed to have her out to Plessing. Diplomacy, the doctor reflected, could arrange the whole thing.
Believing himself to be the possessor of this attribute, Dr. Prince, on the morning before Christmas Eve, rang up the office of the Midland Supply Depôt on the telephone.
"Can I speak to Miss Vivian, if you please?"
"Who is it?" inquired an attenuated voice at the other end.
"The Officer Commanding Questerham V.A. Hospital," firmly replied the doctor.
If Miss Vivian wanted officialness, she should have it.
"Can I give a message for you?"
"I'm afraid I must speak to Miss Vivian herself."
"One moment, please."