"Nor I," said the doctor. "Of course I have not examined her; neither have I had much opportunity for ordinary observation."
"I wish you would contrive to get the latter. Come up and call often; make some excuse for seeing Lady Hartledon professionally, and watch her symptoms."
"I am seeing her professionally now; once or twice a week. She had one or two fainting-fits after she came down, and called me in."
"Kirton says he used to have those fainting-fits. Are they a symptom of heart-disease?"
"In Lady Hartledon I attribute them entirely to her present state of health. I assure you, I don't see the slightest cause for fear as regards your wife's heart. She is of a calm temperament too; as far as I can observe."
They stood talking for a minute at the door, when Lord Hartledon went out. Pike happened to pass on the other side of the road.
"He is here still, I see," remarked Hartledon.
"Oh dear, yes; and likely to be."
"I wonder how the fellow picks up a living?"
The surgeon did not answer. "Are you going to make a long stay with us?" he asked.