He offered me his hand as he climbed up into the dog-cart, which I
pretended, however, not to see.
"Mind, I give you very little hope, Mr. Courage," he said. "I studied the
case very seriously in London, and I perceived symptoms which our friend
here has not yet had the opportunity of observing. My own opinion is that
his time is short."
"I am sorry to hear you say so, doctor," I answered; "for I quite believe
that you are in a position to know."
He blinked at me for a moment from behind his thick spectacles, and I
fancied that he was going to say something more. Apparently, however, he
changed his mind, and the carriage drove off. I made my way at once into
the library. Mr. Stanley was still awaiting me.
"My mission," I announced, "has been a failure. He declines even to
discuss the matter."
Mr. Stanley knocked the ash off his cigar and rose to his feet. His face
showed neither disappointment nor surprise.
"The lady, I am afraid," he remarked, "will be sorry."
"It will be a great blow to her," I answered, "if he should die!"
Mr.
Pages:
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154