Dr. Whiles had no note to write, but he made a few changes in his toilet which somewhat improved his appearance. In due course he reappeared and was rapidly whirled up to London, the sole passenger in the magnificent car. The man who had brought him the message from his quondam patient was sitting in front, next the chauffeur, so Dr. Whiles had no opportunity of asking him for any information concerning his master. Nor did the car itself slacken speed until it drew up before the door of the large corner house in St. James’ Square. A footman in dark livery came running out; a butler bowed upon the steps. Dr. Spencer Whiles was immensely impressed. The servants were all Japanese, but their livery and manners were faultless. He made his way into the hall and followed the butler up the broad stairs.
“My master,” the latter explained, “will receive you very shortly. He is but partly dressed at present.”
Dr. Spencer Whiles came of a family of successful tradespeople, and he was not used to such quiet magnificence as was everywhere displayed. Yet, with it all, there seemed to him to be an air of gloom about the place, something almost mysterious in the silence of the thick carpets, the subdued voices, and the absence of maidservants. The house itself was apparently an old one. He noticed that the doors were very heavy and thick, the corridors roomy, the absence of light almost remarkable. The apartment into which he was shown, however, came as a pleasant surprise. It was small, but delightfully furnished in the most modern fashion. Its only drawback was that it looked out upon a blank wall.
“My master will come to you in a few minutes,” the butler announced. “What refreshments may I have the honor of serving?”
Dr. Whiles waved aside the invitation,—he would at any rate remain professional. The man withdrew, and almost immediately afterwards Prince Maiyo entered the room. The doctor rose to his feet with a little thrill of excitement. The Prince held out his hand.
“I am very pleased to see you again, doctor,” he said. “You looked after me so well last time that I was afraid I should have no excuse for sending for you.”
“I am glad to find that you are not suffering,” the doctor answered. “I understood from your servant that you were feeling a good deal of pain in the side.”
“It troubles me at times,” the Prince admitted, drawing a chair up towards his visitor,—“just sufficiently, perhaps, to give me the excuse of seeking a little conversation with you. You must let me offer you something after your ride.”
“You are very good,” the doctor answered. “Perhaps I had better examine you first.”
The Prince rang the bell and waved aside the suggestion.