Page:The Death-Doctor.djvu/327

Rh She looked at her drenched evening shoes and muddy stockings and gave a little short hard laugh.

"One would think I love my husband very dearly, wouldn't they?" she exclaimed.

"Excuse me one moment," I said, as I went to put on my bad-weather garments, thinking and wondering all the time. She was very pretty; and she was afraid—of what?

We started off through the driving snow together towards Kensington Road. I offered my arm, which was accepted, but so fierce was the wind that conversation was practically impossible. Consequently when I arrived at the house I knew scarcely anything of my case.

"You must get those wet clothes off at once," I said to my companion. "Shall I wait for you?"

"No—yes—yes. I won't be long. Won't you sit down? and I will be with you in a few moments."

My new patient lived in a very decent house, as you will remember. No doubt they had money, for the room in which I waited was beautifully furnished, and showed the touch of a woman's hand in the various flower-vases and nick-nacks which adorned it.

"Indian hemp," I muttered as I waited.