I dropped into a walk, regained my breath, and asked myself what I
should do next.

Suddenly I bethought me of Dr. Marsden, an old friend of my uncle's. I
hailed a passing cab, and drove to his house. The doctor was in his
consultation-room, and alone.

Of course he was surprised to see me, and gave expression to some
appropriate words of sympathy at my bereavement. "But how is it that I
see you so soon?" he asked--"I understood that you were not expected
for some months to come."

Then I began my story, which I related with great circumstantiality of
detail, bringing it down to the moment of my arrival at his house. He
listened with the closest attention, never interrupting me by a single
exclamation until I had finished. Then he began to ask questions, some
of which I thought strangely irrelevant.

"Have you enjoyed your usual good health during your residence abroad?"

"Never better in my life. I have not had a moment's illness since you
last saw me."

"And how have you prospered in your business enterprises?"

"Reasonably well; but pray doctor, let us confine ourselves to the
matter in hand. I have come for friendly, not professional, advice."

"All in good time, my boy," he calmly remarked. This was tantalizing.
My strange narrative did not seem to have disturbed his serenity in the