“And much good it will do you,” muttered the doctor; but, not liking to run the risk of any exposure of his present differences with his wife, he compromised. “Well,” he said, “what is it that you wish to know?”
“Why, I told you,” said Mrs Hardon; “what Octavius’s property is worth, and whether you are quite sure that Septimus—”
“You are wanted, sir, if you please,” said the maid, appearing at the door.
“Who is it?” said the doctor testily, for this was an hour when he objected to being disturbed.
“Wouldn’t give any name, sir,” replied the girl.
“Send him round to the surgery,” said the doctor.
“Please, sir, he’s in the front passage, and he said he didn’t want the sudgery.”
“What sort of a man is it?” said the doctor.
“Look’s like a poor man, sir,” said the girl.
“How many times have you been told not to leave strangers in the passage!” exclaimed Mrs Hardon angrily. “There’ll be another coat gone directly; go and stay with him till your master comes.”