Chester took no notice of the words, as he busied himself about his patient, the lady drawing back and going to a chair, waiting impatiently till he ceased. "How is he?" she said then excitedly. "He could not be doing better, madam," said Chester, trying to speak coldly, and avoiding for a moment the eyes which seemed to plunge searchingly into his; and at his words he saw that they suddenly grew dim, and that she clapped her hands to her lips to keep back a piteous sob or two. "Hush, hush, my dearest," whispered the old housekeeper in a motherly way, and Chester saw that a strong effort was made, and the face from which he could not tear his eyes grew calm. "Well, doctor, if ever I am in a bad fix, I shall know where to apply." Chester turned sharply to the speaker, and read from the cynical smile that he had seen the impression made upon him by the agitated face which possessed so strange a fascination. "You prove yourself quite worthy of your reputation, which has often reached us." "Any surgeon could have done what I have, sir," replied Chester, shortly, and then mastering himself, he continued, as he thought of home and all he had at stake, "I presume that now you are at rest about your cousin's state, this sorry farce is at an end." "Very nearly a tragedy, my dear sir," said the other, lightly. "You mistake me, sir. I mean this enforced detention." "Oh, tut, tut, doctor! I thought we had settled this. Surely after your telegram, taken to the chief office, madam, your wife, will not be uneasy." As he spoke he gave the lady by the couch a mocking look, and Chester saw her turn angrily away. It was on the doctor's lips to say sharply, "I am not married, sir," and he felt startled as he checked himself. Why should he have been so eager to say that? he thought, and a peculiar feeling of resentment grew within, as a strange conscience-pricking began to startle him. Of what folly had he been guilty in thought? "Come, doctor, we have been waiting till you woke before having some breakfast." The speaker rose and touched the electric bell-push, then led the way toward a small table at the far end of the room, the others waiting for the doctor to follow; but he stood irresolute. "You will join us at breakfast, doctor?" said a low, sweet voice at his side, making him start slightly, and then follow to the table, to take the place pointed out by his companion on her right, as she took the head of the table. "As his wife," thought Chester; then trying hard to be perfectly cool, and assuming to be treating his position lightly, he partook of the meal placed before him, and joined in the general conversation, a great deal of which dealt with the popular out-door life of the day--Lord's, Ascot, the promises of sport in August and September, and the ordinary topics of the hour, all lightly traversed by a party of gentlemen who had ample incomes for their needs, and enjoyed life.