"My office is just across the hall."
"Yes, yes, I remember. You are in the—the brokerage business. And your name is—"
"I am trying to be a lawyer. Elbridge is my name."
"Of course it is. I used to know your father—was called in consultation just before he died."
"Then it must have been since I left the house this morning."
"Ah, let me see. Elbridge—the Judge. I'm wrong, of course. It was Elsworth. How is your father?"
"That's what I wanted to talk about, and I am sorry that you do not recall him more vividly. I wanted to ask your opinion."
"Why, now I know him as well as I know myself. What is it you wish to consult me about? His health?"
"Well, I hardly know how to get at it. You know he has been a very busy man—working day and night for years; and I wanted to ask if a sudden breaking off isn't dangerous—that is, not exactly dangerous, but likely to induce a change in disposition?"
The doctor looked wise, with his hand flat upon the medical journal, and as it had been printed in the drowsy afternoon of a slow day, seemed to inspire caution against a quick opinion.