“Humph! six o’clock,” said Gartram, looking at her uneasily, as she shook up the bottle and poured out the accustomed dose.
“Bah! Filthy! Sugar.”
There was a lump laid on the little tray, and the big strong man took it as hurriedly as a schoolboy.
“Shall I bring the medicine here at nine, sir?”
“No; those gentlemen will be here smoking, perhaps. Put the next dose in the glass, and leave it on the chimney-piece. I’ll take it when I come in.”
“I beg your pardon, sir; but will you remember it?”
“Of course; if I don’t, you can remind me. I don’t want to have to be taking stuff before visitors, do I?”
Sarah Woodham shook up the medicine, poured out another glassful, placed it on the mantelpiece as directed, and left the room.
Half-an-hour later, the doctor and Glyddyr arrived together, and were received by Claude, Gartram not being quite dressed.
Five minutes later he came down and hurried into the study, taking out his key as he crossed the room.