"I want you now, if you'll be so kind," McTaggart persisted--"to examine my heart. We're alone--it's a non-stop train--as private as any consulting room. But, of course, I know it's an odd request..." he stammered a little, hunting for words--"unprofessional, perhaps..." he broke off, finding it impossible to suggest a fee in the way he wished.
"Certainly," said his new friend, "if you really wish it. The only thing against it is the noise of the train. I should have preferred to wait until we reached Brighton. We shall get there very shortly and then if you would come back home with me I could make a thorough examination."
"I'm afraid that's impossible," said McTaggart. "I'm going straight on to Worthing. There wouldn't be time..." his face had dropped and the doctor, seeing it, made up his mind.
"Very well--we'll do it now. Luckily I've my stethoscope with me----" he opened his bag as he spoke. "I've been up to town to see a patient."
McTaggart stood up and took off his coat, then his waistcoat.
"It's awfully good of you--I'm really tremendously obliged..." he went on with his undressing.
But the doctor was almost as keen as himself to investigate this curious case. He said so--tactfully--to set his new patient at ease.
"I can't find anything wrong with you. Your heart seems perfectly sound to me. The beat is a little fast just now, probably through excitement--but steady and strong. It ought to take you comfortably into your nineties!"
He smiled as he spoke, holding out his hand.
McTaggart wrung it in speechless gratitude. Then he struggled into his clothes.
"Well--I'm glad that nightmare's over! My double heart--Good Lord!" His laugh hid more than the doctor guessed--those long years of indecision, of weakness in the hands of women...
What a fool he had been! He saw now how often he had excused himself in the past on the score of his physical peculiarity for what was merely lack of control.
They chatted for a little time. Then McTaggart, rather red, drew out his sovereign purse, but the doctor checked him with a gesture.
"No--I won't hear of it! It's been a pleasure--honestly. If you feel at all indebted to me--you might ask me to your wedding."
"I will. But I wish ... Look here, sir--there must be some Hospital you're interested in at Brighton. Perhaps you would give it ... this--from me?"