Mrs Dubedat [shaking hands with him] Thank you all so much for coming. [She shakes Walpole’s hand].  Thank you, Sir Patrick [she shakes Sir Patrick’s].  Oh, life has been worth living since I have known you.  Since Richmond I have not known a moment’s fear.  And it used to be nothing but fear.  Wont you sit down and tell me the result of the consultation?

Walpole.  I’ll go, if you dont mind, Mrs. Dubedat.  I have an appointment.  Before I go, let me say that I am quite agreed with my colleagues here as to the character of the case.  As to the cause and the remedy, thats not my business:  I’m only a surgeon; and these gentlemen are physicians and will advise you.  I may have my own views:  in fact I have them; and they are perfectly well known to my colleagues.  If I am needed—­and needed I shall be finally—­they know where to find me; and I am always at your service.  So for to-day, good-bye. [He goes out, leaving Jennifer much puzzled by his unexpected withdrawal and formal manner].

Sir Patrick.  I also will ask you to excuse me, Mrs Dubedat.

Ridgeon [anxiously] Are you going?

Sir Patrick.  Yes:  I can be of no use here; and I must be getting back.  As you know, maam, I’m not in practice now; and I shall not be in charge of the case.  It rests between Sir Colenso Ridgeon and Sir Ralph Bloomfield Bonington.  They know my opinion.  Good afternoon to you, maam. [He bows and makes for the door].

Mrs Dubedat [detaining him] Theres nothing wrong, is there?  You dont think Louis is worse, do you?

Sir Patrick.  No:  he’s not worse.  Just the same as at Richmond.

Mrs Dubedat.  Oh, thank you:  you frightened me.  Excuse me.

Sir Patrick.  Dont mention it, maam. [He goes out].

B. B. Now, Mrs Dubedat, if I am to take the patient in hand—­

Mrs Dubedat [apprehensively, with a glance at Ridgeon] You!  But I thought that Sir Colenso—­

B. B. [beaming with the conviction that he is giving her a most gratifying surprise] My dear lady, your husband shall have Me.

Mrs Dubedat.  But—­

B. B. Not a word:  it is a pleasure to me, for your sake.  Sir Colenso Ridgeon will be in his proper place, in the bacteriological laboratory. I shall be in my proper place, at the bedside.  Your husband shall be treated exactly as if he were a member of the royal family. [Mrs Dubedat, uneasy, again is about to protest].  No gratitude:  it would embarrass me, I assure you.  Now, may I ask whether you are particularly tied to these apartments.  Of course, the motor has annihilated distance; but I confess that if you were rather nearer to me, it would be a little more convenient.

Mrs Dubedat.  You see, this studio and flat are self-contained.  I have suffered so much in lodgings.  The servants are so frightfully dishonest.