Chapter Eight.
Undermining.
“Hallo, Jess, you here?” cried Clive, as he suddenly encountered his brother at Dr Praed’s door in Russell Square.
Jessop Reed started, and in spite of his man-about-town confidence, he looked for the moment confused, but recovered himself directly.
“Might say the same to you,” he retorted. “I thought you were down some hole in the Midlands.”
“But I’ve come up again. Just got here from St. Pancras now. I say, though, what is it? Out of sorts—been to see the Doctor?”
“Eh? Oh no. I’m all right. But I’m in a hurry. See you at dinner.”
“Why, what’s the matter with him?” thought Clive, as his brother hurried away. “Fast life, I suppose. I’ll run in and ask the Doctor before I go up.”