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200 "I think you are mistaken. I should say that everything was in his line. Besides, he is a very old and a very intimate friend of Miss Moore's."

"Oh—I—I wasn't aware that he was quite—quite so intimate as that"

I felt that the woman was regarding me out of the corner of her eye. She knew that she was torturing me.

"Oh dear, yes. Not that I fancy that Bessie's very fond of Dr. Hume. Indeed, it's rather the other way. It's my belief that she can't bear the sight of the man. Though I don't know why. He's most charming—and so clever. Don't you like clever people?" No, I did not, I never did, and never shall. "Should I ascertain how Bessie's progressed since I went out, or don't you care to stay?"

"If—if you would let me know how she is!"

Letting herself in with a latchkey, she made inquiries of the maid who appeared in the hall.

"How is Miss Moore?"

"I don't think she's quite so well, miss. I sent for Dr. Nockolds, and I did think of sending for Dr. Hume."

"Hume!" I cut in. "I shouldn't send for Hume. The other man's as good, if not better."

Miss Adair turned to me.

"But, my dear Mr. Ferguson, Dr. Hume is a most skilful practitioner."