He rose, meaning to leave the room and speak to the housekeeper, but just then the door opened to admit Lord Polperro's medical attendant.

This gentleman, after a glance at the patient, who was not aware of his presence, put a few questions to Gammon.

The latter than withdrew quietly, went out from the flat and down into the street where the doctor's carriage stood waiting.

He was bewildered with the novelty of experience, felt thoroughly out of his element, and would have liked to have escaped from these complications by simply taking a cab to Norton Folgate and forgetting all he left behind.

But his promise to Mrs.Clover (or Lady Polperro) forbade this.