'I must risk that,' said Ida, firmly. 'He refused to be treated by our family doctor, and I felt that things could not go on any longer as they were going on.'
She led the way to Brian's room. He was lounging by the open window, smoking; his books and papers were scattered about the tables in reckless disorder.
'Dr. Mallison has come to see you, Brian,' said Ida, quietly, as the physician followed her into the room.
'You sent for him, then!' exclaimed Brian, starting up angrily.
'There was no alternative; you refused to be attended by Mr. Fosbroke.'
'Fosbroke—a village apothecary, the parish doctor, who would have poisoned me. Yes, I should think so. How dare you send for anyone? How dare you treat me like a child?'
'I dare do anything which I believe to be for your good,' Ida answered, unflinchingly.
He quailed before her, and changed his tone in a moment. 'Well, if it gratifies you to spend your money upon physicians—How do you do, Dr. Mallison? Of course, I am very glad to see you, as a friend; but I want no doctoring.'
'I'm afraid you do,' said the physician. 'You have not done what I told you when I saw you in London.'
'What was that?'