"Is it any use my saying that I can give you the name of a well-known firm of family lawyers; and that you have only to send them a wire, and before the day is over you'll have one of the best men in England--in every sense--on the premises, making your interests his own?" "Elaine seemed to think that Mr. Nash has only to glance through some of my father's papers to discover who my father's man of business really was, and that then all we shall have to do will be to communicate with him." "I see; there's something in that--Miss Harding has her wits about her. Do you know what time Mr. Nash is coming?" "I don't--Elaine sent the message, if one was sent, and of that I'm not certain; anyhow I don't know what arrangements she has made." "Would you mind inquiring?" "I'll ask her to come here, then you can inquire yourself." The bell was rung, and presently Miss Harding appeared. She was short and slight; with dark hair, big dark eyes, a dainty little mouth, and very red lips. She made at once for Nora, ignoring the doctor, who was still standing by the window. "They tell me that you want me." "It isn't I, it's Dr. Banyard; he wants to know if you have sent to Mr. Nash; and, if so, at what time he's coming." Miss Harding opened her big eyes wider, which was a trick she had. "Dr. Banyard wants to know?--why does Dr. Banyard want to know?" "That I cannot tell you; you had better ask him; here he is. Is Mr. Nash coming?" "Of course he's coming, but he doesn't seem to know quite when; it seems he has some sort of case on at the police court." "I know; he's defending that young scoundrel, Gus Peters, who's been robbing his master." This was the doctor; Miss Harding turned to him. "Is the gentleman you call Gus Peters a scoundrel?" "Isn't a fellow who robs his master a scoundrel?" "Has it been proved that he robbed his master?" "It's a matter of common notoriety." "Common notoriety is not infrequently a liar. However, that's not the point; I suppose Mr. Nash will do his duty to his client in any case, and he'll come here as soon as he's done it." "I'd wait for him if I could, but I have to go my round; I'll look in afterwards on the off-chance of finding him; there's something I particularly wish to say to him. I fancy the magistrates, in spite of Mr. Nash, will make short work of Mr. Peters." After the doctor had gone Miss Harding said to Miss Lindsay, "Nora, dear, don't you think that Dr. Banyard is inclined to be a little interfering?" "It has never struck me that he was." "It has struck me, more than once. But then I think that G.P.s are apt to be interfering; they hope, by having a finger in everybody's pie, to get a plum out of each. Dr. Banyard doesn't like Mr. Nash, does he?" "He has never told me that he doesn't." "Has he never breathed words to the same effect?" "He has certainly hinted that he doesn't think much of Mr. Nash's legal abilities; but then who does?" "I do." "Really, Elaine?"