CHAPTER I

In the year 1860, the reputation of Doctor Wybrow as a London physician reached its highest point.  It was reported on good authority that he was in receipt of one of the largest incomes derived from the practice of medicine in modern times.

One afternoon, towards the close of the London season, the Doctor had just taken his luncheon after a specially hard morning’s work in his consulting-room, and with a formidable list of visits to patients at their own houses to fill up the rest of his day—­ when the servant announced that a lady wished to speak to him.

‘Who is she?’ the Doctor asked.  ‘A stranger?’

‘Yes, sir.’

’I see no strangers out of consulting-hours.  Tell her what the hours are, and send her away.’

‘I have told her, sir.’

‘Well?’

‘And she won’t go.’

‘Won’t go?’ The Doctor smiled as he repeated the words.  He was a humourist in his way; and there was an absurd side to the situation which rather amused him.  ‘Has this obstinate lady given you her name?’ he inquired.

’No, sir.  She refused to give any name—­she said she wouldn’t keep you five minutes, and the matter was too important to wait till to-morrow.  There she is in the consulting-room; and how to get her out again is more than I know.’

Doctor Wybrow considered for a moment.  His knowledge of women (professionally speaking) rested on the ripe experience of more than thirty years; he had met with them in all their varieties—­ especially the variety which knows nothing of the value of time, and never hesitates at sheltering itself behind the privileges of its sex.  A glance at his watch informed him that he must soon begin his rounds among the patients who were waiting for him at their own houses.  He decided forthwith on taking the only wise course that was open under the circumstances.  In other words, he decided on taking to flight.

‘Is the carriage at the door?’ he asked.

‘Yes, sir.’

’Very well.  Open the house-door for me without making any noise, and leave the lady in undisturbed possession of the consulting-room.  When she gets tired of waiting, you know what to tell her.  If she asks when I am expected to return, say that I dine at my club, and spend the evening at the theatre.  Now then, softly, Thomas!  If your shoes creak, I am a lost man.’

He noiselessly led the way into the hall, followed by the servant on tip-toe.

Did the lady in the consulting-room suspect him? or did Thomas’s shoes creak, and was her sense of hearing unusually keen?  Whatever the explanation may be, the event that actually happened was beyond all doubt.  Exactly as Doctor Wybrow passed his consulting-room, the door opened—­the lady appeared on the threshold—­ and laid her hand on his arm.

’I entreat you, sir, not to go away without letting me speak to you first.’