"It has been a complete success," Jim Blewett remarked ere he went upstairs, "and I, for one, have certainly enjoyed it. You've caused some happiness any way, Mrs. Metherell!"
"I'm truly glad to think so, sir," the landlady answered, "and I'm sure I'm most grateful to you for your assistance."
Meanwhile, Maggie Blundell had hastened home, and having exhibited her presents from the Christmas tree, which were greatly admired, was giving her mother and sister a graphic description of the party, and telling of her delight and astonishment at the sight of the "kind gentleman," as she had grown accustomed to call the young medical student.
"I was so amazed I could hardly speak at first," she explained, "but afterwards I told him all about you, mother, and all about you too, Annie. He asked me lots of questions—had we always lived in London; and when he heard you were brought up in the country, mother, he said he thought as much, because I spoke differently from the other children, and he guessed that was the reason. I suppose he meant I spoke like you, mother?"
"I dare say, my dear."
"Oh, he did say such a funny thing about himself! He said he was half a doctor! What could he have meant, mother?"
"I'm sure I can't think. Half a doctor! Are you sure that was what he said? Oh! Perhaps he is a medical student. He may be learning to be a doctor. We will ask Mrs. Metherell. By the way, Maggie, you have not told us his name."
"He is called Mr. Blewett."
"Blewett!" Mrs. Blundell echoed. "I wonder where he comes from! Can it be? But no, it is not likely!"
"Do you know any one called Blewett, mother?"