Haskins turned as Perkins crossed the lobby. He stared an instant, then advanced with outstretched hand, smiling.
"Why, Mr. Parker," he said, "I didn't know you were here. Doctor Austin was asking me to-day if I knew where you were. He seems to have got you on his mind. He'll be delighted to see you. I'll call him—he's just outside. He's with our party."
With an expression half dismayed, half amused, Perkins looked after the Mercury Club's secretary as he darted to the outer door, where a big figure in a motoring coat was pacing up and down.
Tom, leaning over the office desk, looked at Perkins. But Haskins had called the man "Parker." What——?
The big figure in the motoring coat came hurriedly in at the doorway and grasped the hand of Tom's guest. "Parker," he cried, "what are you doing here? Are you responsible for this panjandrum to-night? Didn't I send you off for an absolute rest?"
"Been obeying directions strictly, Doctor. I've lain around up here till the grass sprouted under my feet. You haven't seen me here to-night, have you?"
"No, but the thing looks like one of your managing."
"No interest in this place whatever. Never heard of it till I stumbled on it." But Perkins's eyes were dancing.
"You're looking a lot better, anyhow. Come out here and meet Mrs. Austin. I want to show her the toughest patient I ever had to pull loose from his work."
The two went out upon the porch. Tom gazed at young Haskins, as the latter looked at him with a smile.