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Rh "But my dear fellow," answered Mr. Romaine, with a flash of humor in his black eyes, "you know it is my infirmity to exaggerate my aches and pains. Last night, for what I acknowledge was a mere trifle, I actually lay in my bed and groaned." This was for Bridge's benefit, who was putting on Mr. Romaine's immaculate boots at that moment.

Chessingham, however, did not know exactly what to make of Mr. Romaine's statement. His practised eye saw that something was the matter. But if Mr. Romaine refused to tell the doctor whom he hired to take care of his health what ailed him, the doctor was not to blame. Chessingham went back to his part of the house, much puzzled and deeply annoyed.

"Do you know," he said to his wife, "I doubt very much if I did a wise thing in accepting Mr. Romaine's offer to stay with him. My object, of saving enough from my salary to start me in London, will be attained. But suppose Mr. Romaine should die of some disease that he has concealed from me—my professional reputation would be hurt."

Gladys said some comforting words, and told him about Mr. Romaine's plans for buy-