Page:Maud Howe - Atlanta in the South.djvu/17

 against the wall, an exclamation in Hero's voice; and the door was thrown violently open, a stranger stood upon the threshold bowing civilly, hat in hand.

"Dr. Rondelet?"

"Rondelet is my name, sir."

"I have forced myself into your presence, in spite of your servant's refusal of admittance, because I must speak with you on a matter of the utmost importance."

Rondelet bowed and remained silent. His visitor continued,— "You are a physician?"

"I have my degree as doctor of medicine, but I am not a practising physician."

"I was told that, Doctor, by Mr. Robert Feuardent, at whose instance I have come to ask your services in a matter of the strictest confidence."

The two men had remained standing. At the mention of Feuardent's name, Rondelet motioned his visitor to his solitary arm-chair and took his seat upon the coverless sofa.

"Feuardent assured us of your great skill, especially in a case of this description."

"Surgical?"

"Yes."

"A wound?"

"It is feared a fatal one."