myself to tell you my errand."

"Oh, not at all," said the young man. "I'm glad to be of use on any
terms. It is n't often that one gets the chance."

"I am going to see Dr. Mulbridge," she began, and then stopped so long
that he perceived she wished him to say something.

He said, "Yes?"

"Yes. I thought this morning that I should give Mrs. Maynard's case up to
him. I shouldn't be at all troubled at seeming to give it up under a
pressure of opinion, though I should not give it up for that. Of course,"
she explained, "you don't know that all those women have been saying that
I ought to call in Dr. Mulbridge. It's one of those things," she added
bitterly, "that make it so pleasant for a woman to try to help women." He
made a little murmur of condolence, and she realized that she had thrown
herself on his sympathy, when she thought she had been merely thinking
aloud. "What I mean is that he is a man of experience and reputation, and
could probably be of more use to her than I, for she would trust him
more. But I have known her a long time, and I understand her temperament
and her character,--which goes for a good deal in such matters,--and I
have concluded not to give up the case. I wish to meet Dr. Mulbridge,
however, and ask him to see her in consultation with me. That is all,"
she ended rather haughtily, as if she had been dramatizing the fact to
Dr. Mulbridge in her own mind.

"I should think that would be the right thing," said Libby limply, with
uncalled-for approval; but he left this dangerous ground abruptly. "As
you say, character goes for a great deal in these things. I've seen Mrs.