"Dr. Callandar?" Esther's voice was mildly questioning.
"Yes, why not?"
"I thought you had not met him."
"Neither I had—at least I hadn't met him for a good many years." Mary gave a little excited laugh. "But that's the funny part of it—he is an old friend."
Esther looked up with her characteristic widening of the eyes. The news was genuinely surprising. And how agitated her mother seemed!
"It is really quite a remarkable coincidence," went on Mary nervously. "I was so surprised, startled indeed. Although it's pleasant, of course, to meet an old schoolmate."
"You and Doctor Callandar schoolmates?" The eyes were very wide now.
Mary grew more and more confused.
"Yes—that is, not exactly. I mean his name wasn't Callandar then. His name was Chedridge. Did you never hear me speak of Harry Chedridge?"
"Never."