Dr. Merle took the corals and turned them over in a dazed fashion. He seemed to be half asleep, and started peevishly when his visitor's hearty voice rang through the room. The man's nervous system was out of order.
"It is Miss Merle's, is it not?"
"Yes, yes; thank you for bringing it back. I have no doubt she would say the same herself, but that she is with Miss Linisfarne at Farbis Court."
"In that case I need not wait," said Dan, turning his back.
The doctor stopped him before he could reach the door.
"Don't go yet. I see so few people. I should like to have a talk with you."
Seeing a chance of gaining information about Meg, the young man, nothing loth, sat down. His face was to the light, and Merle, who had shrunk back into the shadow, eyed him curiously.
"You are not a common man," he said nervously.
"That depends upon what you call common, sir. I certainly don't swear or get drunk, or wear my hat while in the house, or----"
"Yes, yes! I understand all that. But you are travelling for pleasure?"