“Dr. Mercer will see you,” said he in a low voice. “He is very much vexed at being disturbed. He’ll remember it against me for weeks.” He appeared very much disturbed.
Ashton-Kirk placed a coin in the speaker’s hand; this seemed to have a bracing effect, for he led them into his employer’s presence in a brighter frame of mind. Dr. Mercer was seated at the table in his dining-room. A napkin was tucked in his collar, his fat hands were folded across his stomach, and he was breathing heavily.
“Gentlemen,” spoke he, rolling his eyes around to them, “I trust you will pardon my not rising. But to exert myself after dining has a most injurious result sometimes. My digestion is painfully impaired; the slightest excitement causes me the utmost suffering.”
“I appreciate the fact that we are intruding at a most inconvenient time,” said Ashton-Kirk. “And I beg of you to accept our apologies.”
The eyes of Dr. Mercer, which had the appearance of swimming in fat, were removed from his visitors, and fixed themselves longingly upon a great dish filled with a steaming, heavy-looking pudding. His breath labored in his chest as he replied:
“The hour is somewhat unusual; but as it happens I have about finished my dinner, and if your errand is not of a stirring nature, I should be pleased to have you state it.”
The man placed chairs in such a position that the doctor would not have to stir to fully observe his visitors. This done he was about to withdraw; but his employer stopped him at the door.
“Haines,” complained he, “you have not taken my order for breakfast.”
The man paused and seemed much abashed at his neglect.
“I really beg your pardon, sir,” said he. And with that he produced a pencil and a small book and stood ready.
“I will have one of those trout that I purchased to-day,” directed the doctor. “Let it be that large, fine one that I was so pleased with,” his swimming eyes ready to float out of his head with anticipation. “Then I would like some new-laid eggs, some hot cakes, and perhaps a small piece of steak, if there is any that is tender and tasty. And mind you,” in an nervous afterthought, “tell Mrs. Crane to have it but rarely done. I will not tolerate it dry and without flavor.” He pondered awhile, apparently much moved by this painful possibility; then he added: “I may as well have a cereal to begin with, I suppose. And that will be all with the exception of a few slices from the cold roast and some white rolls.”
Carefully Haines had taken this down; and after he had read it over at his employer’s order and noted a few alterations and additions, he departed. For a few moments the doctor’s eyes were closed in expectant rapture; his breathing grew so stertorous that his callers were becoming alarmed; but he spoke at last, reluctantly, resentfully.
“I am now ready to hear you, gentlemen, if you please. And kindly remember that I prohibit anything of an exciting nature at this time.”