The door bell rang. He heard it with a sigh--the half-pleased, half-weary, resigned sigh that a man utters when fortune gives him no rest in getting gain. A moment later he was on his way to the surgery to see a lady who would not send in her name or business.
He recognized Ethel Roberts with surprise, when she raised her veil. They had known one another to bow to, but he could not imagine what brought her to his surgery.
"Oh, Dr. Spink, you must forgive me for coming. I am in great trouble, and I thought you might help me."
"Pray sit down. Is anyone ill--your little boy?"
"No, he's not ill. It's--it's about my husband."
"I don't know," she said nervously. "That's what I want to ask you. Have you seen him lately?"
"No, not very; I passed him in the street the other day."
"He's gone to London, suddenly, I don't know why. Oh, he's been so strange lately!"
"I thought he looked worried. Tell me about it," said Dr. Spink, moved now with genuine pity for the pale haggard face before him.
"Ever since--but you mustn't tell I came to you--or spoke to anybody, I mean--will you?"
"Ever since his quarrel with Mr. Bannister--you know about it?--there is something the matter with him. He is moody, and absent-minded, and--and hasty, and he settles to nothing. And now he is gone off like this."
"Come, Mrs. Roberts, you must compose yourself. I suppose he has let these politics worry him."
"He seems to care nothing for--for his home or the baby, you know; he does nothing but read, or wander up and down the room."
"It sounds as if he wanted a rest and a change. You say he has gone away?"
"I'm afraid I can't tell you much, unless he calls me in and lets me have a look at him."
"He'll never do that!" she exclaimed, before she could stop herself.
Dr. Spink took no notice of her outburst.
"If he comes back no better, send me a line, Mrs. Roberts, and we'll see. And mind you let me know if you or the baby want any advice."
"You're very kind, Dr. Spink. I--I'm sorry James is so----"
"Oh, that's a symptom. If he gets right, he won't be like that. Your jacket's too thin for such a night. Let me send you home in the brougham."
Ethel refused the offer, and started on her return, leaving Dr. Spink shaking a thoughtful head in the surgery doorway.