I always do speak out my thoughts so. But I could
see he was interested. He said little sharp sneering things at first,
but afterwards he questioned me a good deal. Oh, we got on splendidly!
He began asking me about ourselves, and if you had much of a practice.
Oh, he said it quite nicely!" as Marcus dropped the loaf he was cutting
and frowned anxiously. "He was quite gentlemanly, and only hinted at
things; but I understood him, of course."

"And you told him, I suppose, that he was my first patient," in an
annoyed tone. "You may as well own it, Livy; you are honest enough
even for that," and there was no denying that Marcus's voice was
decidedly sarcastic. With all her virtues Olivia never did know when
to hold her tongue.

"Oh, Marcus dear, how could I help it," replied Olivia, nervously. "Of
course I had to tell him that we were just beginners, and how Dr. Slade
had deceived us; that there was no redress, as he was dead. But I told
him, too, how hard you worked among the poor---- He did not say much.
I don't think he is a great talker, but he stroked that funny beard of
his and nodded his head. Then when Mrs. Crampton came up he told her
to bring coffee, and he made me stay and pour it out for him. There
was such a lovely chased coffee-pot and cream-jug, and such delicious
cakes, and when I said at last that I must go he thanked me quite
pleasantly. 'It is long since I have been so well amused, and I hope
you will come and see me again.' Yes, he said that, Marcus, so I am
sure he did not mind my frankness. But oh, dear! he quite forgot to
tell Mrs. Crampton to cut me some flowers."

"You need not expect any flowers now," returned her husband,
impatiently. "You have done for yourself and me too I expect. A
beginner you said, Livy, and you a sensible woman! When I go this
evening, I have no doubt I shall be civilly told that a second opinion
will be desirable. My dear girl, don't you know that a modest
reticence, a judicious silence, is sometimes the safest policy. A
professional beggar may whine and show his sores, but a needy doctor
out at elbows must wear a good appearance;" but Olivia, who was on the
verge of tears from sheer vexation at her own impulsiveness, did not
seek to defend herself.

If she had imperilled Marcus's professional reputation by her
carelessness, she felt she should never hold up her head again, but
Marcus, who was tired and a little out of humour, was not disposed to
co