This question, mingled with various thoughts and recollections of former experiences with Miss Panney, occupied the doctor's mind until he heard the swift rolling of the dog-cart wheels as they passed his window.

Then he arose, put on his slippers, drew up the soft cushioned sofa, and lay down for a nap.
In about half an hour he was aroused by the announcement that Miss Bannister had called to see him.
Long practice in that sort of thing made him wake in an instant, and the young lady who was ushered into the study had no idea that she had disturbed the nap of a tired man.

She was a very pretty girl, handsomely dressed; she had large blue eyes, and a very gentle and sweet expression, tinged, however, by an anxious sadness.
"Who is sick, Miss Dora ?" asked the doctor, quickly, as he shook hands with her.
She did not seem to understand him.

"Nobody," she said.

"That is, I have come to see you about myself." "Oh," said he, "pray take a seat.