"Yes, my sweet confessor; but I have a good reason, --one not to be spoken
of."

"'Those who trust us educate us,'" she pleaded in wistful earnestness.

"Then your education is complete. Well, I knew your mother would resist
seeing any physician, for fear of his measures going contrary to her
desires; so I have planned for her to meet to-night a certain doctor whom I
would trust professionally with my wife's life, and on whom I can rely for
the necessary tact to hide the professional object of their meeting. What
do you think of my way, dear?"

For answer she stooped and kissed his hand.

"May I know his name?" she asked after a pause.

"His name is Kemp, --Dr. Herbert Kemp."

"Why, he lives a few blocks from here; I have seen his sign. Is he an old
physician?"

"I should judge him to be between thirty-five and forty. Not old
certainly, but one with the highest reputation for skill. Personally he is
a man of great dignity, inspiring confidence in every one."

"Where did you meet him?"

"In the hospitals," said her father quickly. "But I will introduce him to
you to-night. Don't lose your head when you talk to him."