f jocoseness and
said:

"Perhaps you would not object to opening a private class instruction in
_nerves_ and the like, by which means I might gain some information, and
you prove a benefactor to your race." Then to Pliny: "Now, sir, drink
that, and it will put new life into you." And the tempting glass was
held exasperatingly near poor Pliny's weak and fearfully-tempted hand.
Theodore, standing close beside him, saw the great beads of perspiration
gathering on his white forehead, and fairly _felt_ the quiver of
excitement that shook his frame. To save Pliny from taking the glass,
and entirely uncertain as to what he should do next, he mechanically
reached out his hand for it. Dr. Armitage evidently regarded him as an
ally, and at once resigned it, saying, with his eyes still fixed on
Pliny: "Drink it slowly and enjoy it. I'm sure I don't wonder that you
are wasted to a skeleton."

Pliny's pleading eyes sought Theodore's, and he spoke in a low, husky
whisper:

"Finish this business quick in some way, or I shall drink it--I know I
shall."

Dr. Vincent had drawn near and caught the import of the whisper. With a
very quiet manner, but also with exceeding quickness, he took the glass
and deliberately poured it into the marble basin near which he stood,
and the fragrant old wine instantly gurgled down innumerable pipes, and
was harmless forever. Dr. Armitage's red face took a purplish tint, and
he turned fiercely to the man who dared to meddle with his orders.

"Do you know what you are about?" he shouted rather than said. "Are you
aware that I am the family physician at Hastings' Hall?"

"I am aware of it," was Dr. Vincent's quiet and composed reply. "And it
makes no sort of difference to me, so long as I remember that Dr. Arnold
has had this particular case in charge from the first, and his orders
are distinct and explicit, and I am here to see that they are obeyed,
which thing I shall do even if I have to send the entire contents of
that bottle in the same direction that part of it has traveled. At the
same time I am sorry to be _compelled_ to lay aside the courtesy due
from one physician to another."

At this most opportune moment the door opened quietly and Dr. Arnold
entered. He went at once to Pliny's side, and placed his finger on the
throbbing wrist, as he said with an inquiring glance about the room:

"It strikes me you are all forgetting the need of quiet and freedom from
excitement. This pulse is racing.