"It's Mary's mother," was the answer. "There's been some unexpected development in the case, and they have got to operate the day after to-morrow. Mary is desperately anxious for me to go up, and I can't possibly get away unless I can find someone to look after the practice. I thought that you might be able to manage it, but----" "'But' be blowed," interrupted Colin. "I only want to be around in case Marsden needs me, and I shall be quite as handy here as at the Palace Hotel. How long do you expect to be away?" "I don't suppose I shall be more than a couple of days. It just depends whether the operation is a success." "Well, consider that settled," said Colin. "It won't interfere with my plans in the least; in fact, I shall be only too glad to have something else to think about." Mark got up from the sofa, and, crossing the rug, held out his hand. "Put it there, my son," he said gratefully. "You're a good pal, and the family thanks you." Colin laughed. "You'd better wait till you come back," he replied. "You'll probably find that I've cured half your patients." "I don't care a hang about what you do with them," said Mark callously. He turned toward Nancy. "I shall leave you in charge of each other," he added. "You must keep Colin posted in his job, and he must look after you and try to make himself agreeable." He paused, and added chaffingly, "I don't know whether Major Fenton will approve of the arrangement, but I'm afraid we've hardly time to consult him." There was a brief but pregnant silence. "Major Fenton?" repeated Colin blankly. Mark chuckled. "You've met him, haven't you? A kind of adopted uncle of Nancy's. He rolled up here quite unexpectedly about half-past twelve this morning. I suppose he really came to see whether the place was respectable or not, and on the whole I think we managed to set his mind at rest. Anyhow, he made himself extremely pleasant, so of course I asked him to stop to lunch." Colin flashed a quick glance at Nancy, who was looking distinctly uncomfortable. "Oh," he said, "that explains things. I thought I caught sight of him in the street just as I was leaving the station." "He appears to take a great interest in Nancy," pursued Mark, with a mischievous smile, "but somehow or other she doesn't exactly seem to appreciate it." "I didn't invite him here," protested Nancy, "and I don't think he had any right to come." Before Mark could reply there was a tap outside, and the harassed features of Martha Jane intruded themselves round the door. "If you please, doctor," she said, "there's another four patients in the waiting room. That makes nine altogether." "Oh, damn!" said Mark. "I suppose I must go down and see them. You'll stay to tea, Colin, of course?" "If I'm not in the way," was the answer. "Perhaps I'd better go out for a stroll and come back."