I heard Flint House was let, though not to whom.

The news did not interest me.

But next evening, when I returned from my rounds, my servant met me at the door with the information that the new tenant of Flint House was in the consulting-room waiting to see me.
"I went in.

The tall elderly figure sitting there rose at my entrance and said: 'Not a patient, doctor--quite another matter.' I started slightly at the familiar ring to that harsh authoritative voice, but I did not know who he was until he handed me his card.

He had already commenced talking about that accursed title as he did so, and he did not notice my agitation.