Voules's eyes widened a little.
"Indeed," he remarked. He appeared to consider this change in John's circumstances for a moment, then he put out a hand and laid his heavy fingers on John's sleeve. "You have told this news, eh——" he paused a moment; "you have told this news to Alice?"
For a second John hesitated; he did not realise who Alice was; then he remembered her as Mrs. Beecher Monmouth.
"No," answered John, "I have not told her yet, but I intend to write and tell her to-night."
"Ah," said Voules, "you think she will be pleased?" The intensity of his gaze increased. John saw quite plainly a doubt in his eyes. "You think she will be pleased?"
"I am sure of it," said John.
"And why?"
"Because I can be of more use, doctor."
"We have a very high opinion of the lady in question," said Voules; "we have every reason to trust her."
"I hope you will have every reason to trust me," John said.