"
"But still, if you could see for yourself," persisted Mr. Royce.
The doctor hesitated, drumming with his fingers upon the arm of his
chair.
"Such a course would be somewhat unprofessional," he said at last.
"Still, I might call in a merely social way. My interest in the family
would, I think, excuse me."
Mr. Royce's face brightened, and he caught the doctor's hand.
"Thank you, sir," he said warmly. "It will lift a great anxiety from
the firm, and, I may add, from me, personally."
The doctor laughed good-naturedly.
"I knew that, of course," he said. "We doctors hear all the gossip
going. I might add that I was glad to hear this bit. If you'll wait
for me here, I'll go at once."
We instantly assented, and he called his carriage, and was driven
away. I felt that, at last, we were to see behind one corner of the
curtain--perhaps one glimpse would be enough to penetrate the mystery.
But, in half an hour he was back again, and a glance at his face told
me that we were again destined to disappointment.
"I sent up my card," he reported briefly, "and Miss Holladay sent
down word that she must beg to be excused."
Mr. Royce's face fell.
"And that was all?" he asked.
"That was all. Of course, there was nothing for me to do but come
away. I couldn't insist on seeing her.
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