er. She rose in
a flash and gorged it, cock's feathers, worsted body and all.

"What is it about?" she asked eagerly. "But don't stand out there
where everybody can hear but me. Come in and sit down."

Now I didn't want to discuss the matter here, and, besides, there was
not time. I therefore assumed an air of mystery.

"I can't, Miss Oman. I'm due at the surgery now. But if you should be
passing and should have a few minutes to spare, I should be greatly
obliged if you would look in. I really don't quite know how to act."

"No, I expect not. Men very seldom do. But you're better than most,
for you know when you are in difficulties and have the sense to consult
a woman. But what is it about? Perhaps I might be thinking it over."

"Well, you know," I began evasively, "it's a simple matter, but I can't
very well--no, by Jove!" I added, looking at my watch, "I must run, or
I shall keep the multitude waiting." And with this I bustled away,
leaving her literally dancing with curiosity.

CHAPTER IX

THE SPHINX OF LINCOLN'S INN

At the age of twenty-six one cannot claim to have attained to the
position of a person of experience. Nevertheless, the knowledge of
human nature accumulated in that brief period sufficed to make me feel
confident that, at some time during the evening, I should receive a
visit from Miss Oman. And circumstances justified my confidence; for
the clock yet stood at two minutes to seven when a premonitory tap at
the surgery door heralded her arrival.

"I happened to be passing," she explained, and I forbore to smile at
the coincidence, "so I thought I might as well drop in and hear what
you wanted to ask me about."

She seated herself in the patients' chair and laying a bundle of
newspapers on the table, glared at me expectantly.

"Thank you, Miss Oman," said I. "It is very good of you to look in on
me. I am ashamed to give you all this trouble about such a trifling
matter."

She rapped her knuckles impatiently on the table.

"Never mind about the trouble," she exclaimed tartly.
"What--is--it--that--you--want--to--_ask_--me about?"

I stated my difficulties in respect of the supper-party, and, as I
proceeded, an expression of disgust and disappointment spread over her
countenance.

"I don't see why you need have been so mysterious about it," she said
glumly.

"I didn't mean to be mysterious; I was only anxious not to make a mess
of the affair. It's all very fine t