"I arrived in London to-day!"
"Why didn't you let me know?"
"There was no need to. It was necessary that you should quite understand one another before I came on the scene." Eberstein looked from one flushed face to the other with a smile. "You do understand, I see."
"We are engaged," blurted out Montrose awkwardly.
"Then that means an understanding," said the doctor cheerfully, with a benevolent look in his grey eyes. "I hope it means also mutual trust."
"I am quite sure it does," cried Alice vehemently, "nothing Douglas could say or do would ever make me doubt him."
"And I would believe in Alice if all the world were against her," said the young man decisively.
"That is good hearing," observed the doctor pleasantly, "union is strength."
"Every one knows that, don't they, doctor?" said Miss Enistor rather pertly.
"Perhaps," he replied, "but few practise it. You wonder why I have come here to-night. It is because you both need me. All seems to be sunshine at the present moment. You love one another devotedly: you think that Mr. Enistor is well disposed towards your engagement——"