"But you cured your patient?" cried Lady Scarlett anxiously. "No; I am sorry to say that my efforts, have been vain. It is one of my failures; and I think it would be a pity for me to take up poor Scarlett's case." "But he wishes it--I wish it." "You have quite ceased going to Sir Morton Laurent?" "O yes. He did my husband no good; and the excitement of going up to town--the train--the carriage--and the cab--and then seeing the doctor, always upset him dreadfully. I am sure the visits did him a great deal of harm." "Perhaps so, in his nervous state. Maybe, under the circumstances, you were wise to give them up." "I am sure I was," responded Lady Scarlett. "And the local doctors?" "He will not see them; he says they aggravate him with their stupid questions. And yet he must have medical advice." "How would it be if you took him abroad--say to some one or other of the baths? There you would get change of air, scene, the tonic waters for him to drink, and medical attendance on the spot." "No, no; no, no; it is impossible! You shall judge for yourself," cried Lady Scarlett. "He would never bear the change. You will find that he is only satisfied when he is here at home--safe, he calls it, within the garden fence. He will not stir outside, and trembles even here at the slightest sound." "But surely we could hit upon some clever medical man who would be able to manage his case with skill, and in whom my poor friend would feel confidence." "Whom could I find? How could I find one?" exclaimed Lady Scarlett. "There is no one but you to whom I can appeal." "Is this truth, or acting?" thought Scales. "Why does she want me here?" "I have thought it all out so carefully," continued Lady Scarlett. "You see he is alarmed at the very idea of a doctor coming near him." "And yet you bring me here." "Yes; you are his old schoolfellow, and he will welcome you as a friend. The fact of your being a doctor will not trouble him." "I see," said Scales. "Then, while being constantly in his company, you can watch every change." "Nice treacherous plan, eh, Lady Scarlett!" said the doctor, laughing. "Don't call it that," she said pitifully. "It is for his good." "Yes, yes; of course--of course. It's only giving him his powder in jam after all. But, tell me, if I agree to take his case in hand--" "Which you will?" interrupted Lady Scarlett. "I don't know yet," he replied drily. "But supposing I do: how often would you want me to come down here?" "How often?" echoed the lady, with her eyes dilating. "I meant for you to come and live here until he is well."