staff seems changed. Anyway we'll risk it for once. I was in
last night, talking like a stage American, and supper's ordered
for eleven sharp."

"You made as sure of me as all that!"

"There was no harm in ordering supper. We shall have it in a
private room, but you may as well dress if you've got the duds."

"They're at my only forgiving relative's."

"How much will get them out, and square you up, and bring you
back bag and baggage in good time?"

I had to calculate.

"A tenner, easily."

"I had one ready for you. Here it is, and I wouldn't lose any
time if I were you. On the way you might look up Theobald, tell
him you've got it and how long you'll be gone, and that I can't
be left alone all the time. And, by Jove, yes! You get me a
stall for the Lyceum at the nearest agent's; there are two or
three in High Street; and say it was given you when you come in.
That young man shall be out of the way to-night."

I found our doctor in a minute consulting-room and his
shirt-sleeves, a tall tumbler at his elbow; at least I caught
sight of the tumbler on entering; thereafter he stood in front
of it, with a futility which had my sympathy.