“Look here!” he called out sharply, “you won’t do Harry Garlett any good by starving yourself, Jean. The one hope the poor fellow has got is that we should all keep an even keel.”
Jean drew the little piece of meat out into the open again, and ate it.
At last a welcome diversion was caused by Elsie.
“There’s some one on the ’phone, sir, who wants to speak to you urgent. It’s Lawyer Toogood, I’m thinking.”
The doctor jumped up and hurried into his consulting room. “Yes? Who is it?”
“Toogood. I’ve seen Garlett, and I’d rather like to have a few words with you, Maclean. Can you make it convenient to come early this afternoon?”
“Of course I will. And, Toogood, may I bring my niece, Jean Bower?”
“Bring her by all means. But I should like to see you alone first.”
“Can you give me any word of hope?” Dr. Maclean’s voice instinctively lowered.
“Wait till I see you; I don’t like to say much over the ’phone. The town’s in a state of wild excitement. There’s actually a little crowd of people round the door of my office at this moment, just waiting to catch any one who comes in or out!”