[CHAPTER III]
WHOM GOD HATH JOINED
Dr. Twelves showed no sign of either surprise or gratification. He looked at her dispassionately, almost apathetically, from under his overhanging eyebrows.
"Can you walk upstairs without assistance?"
"I'm afraid not. I don't think my ankle is any better."
He stooped down.
"It's swollen; it looks as if it were going to be an awkward business. Your boot and stocking will have to be cut away; but there's no time to do it now--moments are precious. You will have to wait until you're married. It's only on the first floor. Do you think you'll be able to get up with the aid of my arm and of the baluster?"
"I'll try."
"Might I suggest, before we start, that it would do no harm if you were to remove your hat and jacket. It would seem more in keeping."
She acted on his suggestion.