The doctor had really taken a great liking to all of the party, especially Martin and Kate, and this reply, so unlike what he had expected, drove him out of temper.
"And you pretend to be his friends, and yet will allow him without protest to make this insane trip, knowing it will probably be his last! I'll be hanged if I can understand it! I had certainly hoped for your support, Miss Stafford, but it seems you are like the rest, and I must wash my hands of the whole affair."
The doctor had just eased his mind when he suddenly detected something coming and quickly added:
"Mr. Carden, I must see you down-stairs for a moment," and without waiting for a reply hurried Carden out.
"Mr. Carden," said the doctor, somewhat excitedly, as he hurried that astonished gentleman along, "let's go right down to the bar and take something to drink! You may not have been aware of it, but I've taken a great fancy to our friend and your cousin! I have, by George! And we must take a drink on it!"
"But what the deuce has that got to do with it?" asked Carden, beginning to think the doctor had already had too much.
"Everything, my boy, everything! Our friend has by this time very sensibly decided not to go to London at present!—Two more, please." This last to the barmaid.
"Yes," he continued, answering Carden's glance, "yes, my dear boy, it is all settled by this time! I told you she was engaged to the wrong man, and I was right—but that's all over now!"
Carden looked a trifle mystified at first, but as the doctor proceeded a light began to dawn upon him. It was not very clear, however.
"What do you mean, Doctor? Surely you think that since you dragged me down here——"