“When required,” the Prince remarked dryly.
“I suppose,” the doctor asked, “my friend Mr. Jacks was speaking the truth when he told me your name?”
“My name is Prince Maiyo,” the Prince said.
Mechanically the doctor helped himself to another whiskey and soda.
“You are to be my only patient,” he said thoughtfully. “May I take the liberty of feeling your pulse, Prince?”
The Prince extended his hand. The doctor felt it and resumed his seat.
“There is, of course, nothing whatever the matter with you,” he declared. “You are, I should say, in absolutely perfect health. You have no need of a physician.”
“On the contrary,” the Prince protested, smiling, “I need you, Dr. Whiles, so much that I am paying you a thousand guineas—”
“To remain in these two rooms,” the doctor remarked quietly.
“It is not your business to think that or to know that,” the Prince said. “Do you accept my offer?”