"Since the famous Sir Daniel is here," observed the doctor, good-humouredly, "he may as well exercise his profession. And you know," he added, earnestly, "I would do anything for you, even though you have treated me so cruelly."
"You will persist in saying that," cried Clarice, petulantly, "when you know that I never loved you; that I never gave you any encouragement, and that you have no reason to blame me in any way. If you have come here to make yourself disagreeable----"
"I have come because you sent for me," said Jerce, calmly; "and, if you remember, I said that I would never see you again unless you did send for me."
"Oh! And I suppose you thought that my invitation meant that I had changed my mind about marrying Anthony?"
"I did hope that," said Sir Daniel, plainly, "as I can conceive no other reason why you should ask me down; unless," he added, with some bitterness, "you wish to torture me."
"Your own conscience should do that, Sir Daniel."
"My own conscience? I don't understand you, Miss Baird."
"Think again. You hinted that I should never marry Anthony."
"I did," rejoined Jerce, steadily, "and I hope you won't."
"Why not?"