“Yes, yes; pray enlighten me.”
“Do you know anything about our professional etiquette?”
“Absolutely nothing, Mr. Grimshaw.”
He made a gesture which might mean that ladies of manors should know more than they usually did about matters that might concern them intimately. But he spoke temperately, avoiding medical terminology:
“Put briefly, it is this: No doctor interferes with another qualified practitioner in the exercise of his profession.”
“I understand.”
“Unhappily, opinions differ as to a man’s qualifications. Legally speaking, Dr. Snitterfield is a qualified practitioner.”
Lady Selina, unable to wean her mind from Dr. Snitterfield and decanter stoppers, said blandly:
“I barely know Dr. Snitterfield. He is not, of course, a gentleman. His practice is confined, I imagine, to—to those who are unable to employ you or Dr. Pawley.”
Grimshaw brightened. Obviously Lady Selina did not hold Dr. Snitterfield in high esteem. He continued: