"I know she doesn't, and I don't like her."
"So I sent off the wire, and I'm glad you've come, sir; you weren't long getting off."
"No, Elkington, but I only just caught the express. Is that the doctor coming down?"
"I believe so, sir; I'll bring him in here."
The next minute the doctor entered. He was a middle-aged man, with a quiet, dignified manner which inspired confidence in his patients.
"Captain Fortescue, I believe."
"Yes, doctor; I am very anxious to hear what you think of my father."
"It's a case of shock," said the doctor. "He received some bad news, I gather, this morning, and that is a great strain upon a man of his age. The action of the heart is weak—in fact, it had nearly ceased altogether. He has pulled round a little now, but there may be a relapse at any time."
"Perhaps I had better not see him to-night."
"Under ordinary circumstances I should most certainly have agreed with you, but he is most anxious to see you. He heard the cab stop, and he asked if you had come. Watson advised him to wait a little. Good faithful soul that Watson, I should imagine!"