"They are waiting for you: come quick, please."
"I rather think you are mistaken: suppose you look up some one else?"
"Have been all about, sir. I can't get any one else. You'll do, I think: won't you come? The governor is deuced easy with his money."
"That accounts for your eagerness to serve him. Well, I suppose I must go and see about it."
He was taken, as he had anticipated, to Miss Lafitte's room. A gentleman with very white hair and an anxious face was alone in the parlor, who, introducing himself as Mr. Lafitte, repeated the servant's question: "Are you a physician?"
"As much as a diploma and three years' practice can make me," answered the young man.
"My daughter has had a severe fall," he explained: "she is suffering. I hope you can relieve her."
"Excuse me when I tell you that I am here for absolute rest. Is it possible to get another doctor?"
"No, we have tried. I beg that you will undertake the case without further delay."
Maurice felt the position awkward. "On one condition," he answered finally, at the same time giving his card: "that is, if the lady is willing."