Dr Chartley said, in answer to the indignant question, “No.”
“Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, mollifying himself with a large draught of brandy-and-water. “I should think not, indeed. I shall send you a dozen of that brandy.”
“No, no, I beg!” said the doctor earnestly; and his white forehead puckered up.
“Yes, I shall. May I smoke?”
“Certainly—certainly.”
A very large, well-filled cigar case was already in the visitor’s hands.
“Take one.”
“No, thanks. I never smoke.”
“Never mind, Hendon does. Here, I shall leave those six for him.”
“I really would rather you did not, Poynter; indeed I would.”