“Well, why don't you take her?” retorted Hardy; “it's all on your way. I have some news for Miss Nugent.”
Miss Nugent looked from one to the other, and mischievous lights appeared in her eyes as she gazed at the carefully groomed and fastidious Murchison. From them she looked to the other side of the room, where Mrs. Kybird was stolidly eyeing Mrs. Kingdom, who was trying in vain to appear ignorant of the fact.
“Thank you very much,” said Miss Nugent, turning to the doctor.
“I'm sorry,” began Murchison, with an indignant glance at his rival.
“Oh, as you please,” said the girl, coldly. “Pray forgive me for asking you.”
“If you really wish it,” said the doctor, rising. Miss Nugent smiled upon him, and Hardy also gave him a smile of kindly encouragement, but this he ignored. He crossed the room and bade Mrs. Kingdom good-bye; and then in a few disjointed words asked Mrs. Kybird whether he could be of any assistance in seeing her home.
“I'm sure I'm much obliged to you,” said that lady, as she rose. “It don't seem much use for me waiting for my future son-in-law. I wish you good afternoon, ma'am. I can understand now why Jack didn't come.”