With which obscure pronouncement we went up to bed.

 

CHAPTER VII

 

I LEARN MY NEIGHBOR’S PROFESSION

 

On the following morning I hurried unforgivably over my round. My excuse can be

that I had no very serious cases to attend. On my return Caroline came into the

hall to greet me.

 

“Flora Ackroyd is here,” she announced in an excited whisper.

 

“What?”

 

I concealed my surprise as best I could.

 

“She’s very anxious to see you. She’s been here half an hour.”

 

Caroline led the way into our small sitting-room, and I followed.

 

Flora was sitting on the sofa by the window. She was in black and she sat

nervously twisting her hands together. I was shocked by the sight of her face.

All the color had faded away from it. But when she spoke her manner was as

composed and resolute as possible.