"Can I help?" inquired Nancy.
She shook her head with another smile. "Everything's ready," she answered. "You go along with Colin, and I'll be up in a minute. I've only got to fetch the crumpets."
She disappeared in the direction of the back regions, and having deposited his hat and coat on the hall table, Colin led the way upstairs.
As they reached the first landing a door on the right opened, and Mark himself appeared on the threshold. He had a large cherry-wood pipe in his mouth, and he had discarded his frock coat in favour of a Norfolk jacket.
"Hullo, Colin!" he exclaimed. "I thought I heard your musical voice. Why the devil——"
He stopped short as he suddenly caught sight of Nancy.
"You shouldn't swear in front of ladies," said Colin reprovingly. "It's not done in the best medical circles."
Mark came forward with an embarrassed air.
"I say, please excuse me," he stammered. "I didn't see there was any one else there."
"It's all right," said Nancy, laughing. "I've heard the expression before—several times."