Avery rose to receive him, but his look passed her almost instantly and rested frowningly upon Piers.
"Enter the Lord High Executioner!" said Piers flippantly. "Well? Who is the latest victim? And what have you come here for?"
The doctor came in. He shook hands with Avery, and turned at once to
Piers.
"I have come to see my patient," he said aggressively.
"Have you?" said Piers. "So have I." He stood up, squaring his broad shoulders. "And I'm coming again—by special invitation." His dark eyes flung a gibe with the words.
"Good-bye, Mr. Evesham!" said Avery somewhat pointedly.
He turned sharply, and took her extended hand with elaborate courtesy.
"Good-bye,—Mrs. Denys!" he said.
"I'll come down and see you off," cried Gracie, attaching herself to his free arm.
"Ah! Wait a bit!" said Piers. "I haven't said good-bye to the Queen of the fairies yet."