“Best thing too,” said North, laughing. “A miserable little jilt! I—”
He paused in horror at the words which had fallen from his lips, and met his friend’s wondering gaze. Then, as if mastering himself, he gave sundry orders in a quick, sharp way, and evidently bestirred himself to restore the patient.
For the moment Salis had felt disposed to bid him leave the house; but it was a case of emergency, and, keeping a watchful eye upon North, he helped where it was necessary, with the result that an hour later Mary was left seated beside her, Leo being utterly prostrate, and the doctor followed his friend down to the breakfast-room where the meal was spread.
“Hah!” cried North, “that’s better. Breakfast’s a glorious meal. Come, old chap, sit down. Never mind the jade; she’s all right now.”
“In Heaven’s name, North, what does this mean?” cried Salis.
North burst into a hearty laugh, which his wild eyes seemed to contradict.
“Mean, eh?” he cried. “Why, I ought to ask you. What game has the lively little witch been up to now?”
“North!” cried Salis piteously.
“There, you needn’t tell me,” cried North, laughing. “Tom, eh? Ah, he’s a sad dog!”
“North, for pity’s sake, have some decency. I suspected that you had found something out, and I can understand your throwing her over like this.”