depending on me--cases, in which property is concerned,
and reputation is at stake--or I would gladly go myself. You, with your
patients, are as little at liberty as I am. Can't you think of some
other friend?"

Mr. Null could think of nobody, and had nothing to propose. Of the three
weak men, now brought into association by the influence of domestic
calamity, he was the feeblest, beyond all doubt. Mr. Mool had knowledge
of law, and could on occasion be incited to energy. Mr. Gallilee
had warm affections, which, being stimulated, could at least assert
themselves. Mr. Null, professionally and personally, was incapable of
stepping beyond his own narrow limits, under any provocation whatever.
He submitted to the force of events as a cabbage-leaf submits to the
teeth of a rabbit.

After leaving the office, Carmina's medical attendant had his patient
to see. Since the unfortunate alarm in the house, he had begun to feel
doubtful and anxious about her again.

In the sitting-room, he found Teresa and the landlady in consultation.
In her own abrupt way, the nurse made him acquainted with the nature of
the conference.

"We have two worries to bother us," she said; "and the music-master is
the worst of the two. There's a notion at the hospital (set agoing, I
don't doubt, by the man himself), that I crushed his fingers on purpose.
That's a lie! With the open cupboard door between us, how could I see
him, or he see me? When I gave it a push-to, I no more knew where his
hand was, than you do. If I meant anything, I meant to slap his face for
prying about in my room. We've made out a writing between us, to show to
the doctors. You shall have a copy, in case you're asked about it. Now
for the other matter. You keep on telling me I shall fall ill myself, if
I don't get a person to help me with Carmina. Make your mind easy--the
person has come."

"Where is she?"

Teresa pointed to the bedroom.

"Recommended by me?" Mr. Null inquired.

"Recommended by herself. And we don't like her. That's the other worry."

Mr. Null's dignity declined to attach any importance to the "other
worry." "No nurse has any business here, without my sanction! I'll send
her away directly."

He pushed open the baize door. A lady was sitting by Carmina's bedside.
Even in the dim light, there was no mistaking _that_ face. Mr. Null
recognised--Miss Minerva.

She rose, and bowed to him. He returned the bow stiffly. Nature's
protecting care of fools supp