"Dear me!" exclaimed the Doctor; "this is particularly unfortunate; for I am the gentleman whom they were expecting to meet there. My business here is of a very urgent nature, and, as I have other important engagements to fulfil, I am anxious to get back to the train with as little loss of time as possible."
"Would you oblige me with your name, sir?" said the servant. The Doctor handed him his card. "Dr. Dustacre is the name of the gentleman that my master has gone to meet," said the servant.
"I had intended to have gone to the Poynton Station," said the Doctor, by way of explanation; "but, at the last moment, a friend told me that I should not be able to get any carriage there; so, I got out at the Barham Station, and have driven over from there. For a particular reason, I have left the car at the turn of the road a short distance beyond the lodge. I have to see young Mr. Winstanley, and to inquire professionally into his case. It is important that I should see him at once, and alone. Is he in the house?"
"Yes, sir; he is in the study. Shall I show you in to him?" asked the servant.
"No," replied the Doctor; "I would rather go in by myself. It will be better not to announce me, or to give my name. Which is the study?"
The servant pointed it out. Dr. Dustacre crossed the hall, opened the study door, shut it carefully behind him, made a bow to a youthful-looking gentleman who was seated in a comfortable chair and nodding over the "Times," and, for the first time in his life, found himself face to face with little Mr. Bouncer. If either of them had gone to the open window and looked out, they might have discovered young Winstanley, crouched
