ffering
so much, and your foot ought to be treated at once. It is impossible
for any one to know if it be only a sprain until the boot is removed.
You fell so heavily that perhaps a small bone might be broken."

"Yes--send--send," returned the invalid, irritably. "Clear the room,
Crampton. You know that I hate to have a parcel of women round
me.--There is no need for you to go, madam"--with an attempt at
civility as Olivia was about to withdraw at this plain speaking. "Give
the lady a chair, Phoebe."

But Olivia, who had excellent tact, only smiled pleasantly, and shook
her head.

"I think it will be best for me to send the doctor across, there is
nothing that I can do for you until he comes."

She took the old man's hand as she spoke and pressed it gently.

"I am so sorry to leave you in such pain, but I hope you will soon be
relieved. Perhaps you will not mind my inquiring another day, but a
stranger is only in the way to-night."

Olivia's soft, well-modulated voice was so full of kindly sympathy,
that Mr. Gaythorne opened his weary eyes again.

"Thank you," was all he said; but he watched her keenly as she crossed
the long room.

Olivia walked so quickly that she was almost out of breath when she
reached her own door. The dining-room looked cold and comfortless.
Martha was on her knees before the fireplace trying to revive the
blackened embers with the help of the kitchen bellows, and Dr.
Luttrell, with a tired face and puckered brow, was watching the
proceedings somewhat impatiently. A tallow candle was guttering
uncomfortably on the table.

"Is the fire out? Oh, Marcus, I am so sorry, but Martha and I will
soon put things to rights. Will you go across to Galvaston House at
once, please?"--and here Olivia's voice was full of suppressed
excitement. "Mr. Gaythorne has slipped against the curb and hurt his
foot; he is in great pain. I have been helping him, and then I said I
would send you. I have left the gate open so you can just go up to the
door."

Marcus listened to these details with an astonished face; then he
caught up his black bag and nodded acquiescence. The tired frown left
his face, and he moved away with his quiet, professional step.

Olivia watched him from the doorstep. As she closed the door after
him, she could have clapped her hands with sheer delight and
excitement. It was her doing that Marcus had his first patient. Those
foolish maids would never have thought of send