s instituted.

Two days after this, when Arthur was in his consultingroom, Haddo's card
was brought to him. Arthur's jaw set more firmly.

'Show the gentleman in,' he ordered.

When Haddo entered, Arthur, standing with his back to the fireplace,
motioned him to sit down.

'What can I do for you?' he asked coldly.

'I have not come to avail myself of your surgical skill, my dear Burdon,'
smiled Haddo, as he fell ponderously into an armchair.

'So I imagined.'

'You perspicacity amazes me. I surmise that it is to you I owe this
amusing citation which was served on me yesterday.'

'I allowed you to come in so that I might tell you I will have no
communication with you except through my solicitors.'

'My dear fellow, why do you treat me with such discourtesy? It is true
that you have deprived me of the wife of my bosom, but you might at least
so far respect my marital rights as to use me civilly.'

'My patience is not as good as it was,' answered Arthur, 'I venture to
remind you that once before I lost my temper with you, and the result you
must have found unpleasant.'

'I should have thought you regretted that incident by now, O Burdon,'
answered Haddo, entirely unabashed.

'My time is very short,' said Arthur.

'Then I will get to my business without delay. I thought it might
interest you to know that I propose to bring a counter-petition
against my wife, and I shall make you co-respondent.'

'You infamous blackguard!' cried Arthur furiously. 'You know as well as I
do that your wife is above suspicion.'

'I know that she left my hotel in your company, and has been living since
under your protection.'

Arthur grew livid with rage. He could hardly restrain himself from
knocking the man down. He gave a short laugh.

'You can do what you like. I'm really not frightened.'

'The innocent are so very incautious. I assure you that I can make a good
enough story to ruin your career and force you to resign your
appointments at the various hospitals you honour with your attention.'

'You forget that the case will not be tried in open court,' said Arthur.

Haddo looked at him steadily. He did not answer for a moment.

'You're quite right,' he said at last, with a little smile. 'I had
forgotten that.'

'Then I need not detain you longer.'

Oliver Haddo got up. He passed his hand reflectively over his huge face.
Arthur watched him with scornful eyes. He touched a bell, and the servant
at once appeared.

'