He had already removed his hat, and was about to unlock a brown leather bag, which he held on his knee. He rose and bowed as Mrs. Cheriton entered the room.
"I must apologise for intruding upon you, madam, but I do so in the cause of science, so I am sure you will pardon me."
The words were fair enough, but something in the manner made Millicent's heart seem to stand still. Something also told her that she must not show her fear.
"May I know to whom I am speaking?" she said, "and in what branch of science you take a special interest?"
"Certainly, madam. My name is Wharton. I am a surgeon, and am greatly interested in vivisection."
"Indeed!" said Millicent, summoning all her presence of mind, for as he spoke his manner grew more excitable, and he began to open his bag.
"I called here," he said, "to make known a new discovery, which, however, I should like to demonstrate," and he fixed his restless eye on little Mollie, who was clinging shyly to her mother's gown.
"I am sure it is very kind of you to take an interest in us—but it is so early, perhaps you have not breakfasted? May I get you some breakfast?"
Would Mrs. Somers never come? and if she did, what could she do? for by this time Millicent had no doubt that she was talking to a madman.
"Thank you, I do not need any," replied her visitor, as he began to take from his bag all kinds of terrible looking surgical instruments, and laid them on the table.