would give way to
none," while being, certainly, a very clever practitioner, and well
knowing that fact, he was somewhat ready to leap upon his own little
hill, and to crow loudly. He had just descended, proud and elate with
the state in which he had left his patient, when, as he mentally termed
it, this impertinent interference on the part of Sir Murray made him
erect all his hackles, and give battle most furiously for his rights.

"There, there! Don't be angry, Challen," said the baronet. "I give
way--I suppose I must bear it."

"Bear it! Of course you must," said the doctor. "I tell you what it
is, Sir Murray Gernon: I was within a point of throwing up the case, and
leaving you in the hands of that offensive wholesale killer at
Marshton--that new man. I was only restrained by a feeling of respect
for the poor child. But I'll give up now, if you wish it."

"My dear Challen," cried Sir Murray, "pray don't be so impetuous. I say
no more. Have it all as you wish."

"Say no more! Of course you will not!" grumbled the doctor, whose
feathers were gradually subsiding to their natural smoothness.

"Only," continued Sir Murray, "get her well, and let us have her home as
soon as possible."

"There you go again!" cried the doctor, bristling up once more. "The
old story! I suppose you think I want to keep her ill, so as to swell
the bill, with `One draught at bed-time,' and `The mixture as before.'
Ugh! It's a pity, Sir Murray Gernon, you have not a dozen people about
you who are like me--not in the least afraid of you. What are you going
to do now?"

"Going back," said Sir Murray, who had just risen.

"Going back, indeed!" said the doctor, impatiently. "Better stay--stay,
and see how she is when she wakes. Let's have Norton in and Mrs
Norton, and perhaps their son will join: he's none the worse--used to
water--salt, fresh, or marshy. A tumbler of punch and a rubber at whist
would pass the time away comfortably. There, hang it, man, twenty years
ought to be long enough to heal up these old wounds. They'll have to be
healed up when you journey to the great abroad. Take my advice--advice
I shan't charge you anything for. Norton's boy has saved your girl's
life. Let this unlucky accident be the means of bringing you together--
good out of evil, you know. Hold out the right hand of fellowship,
and--trust me--I know Norton; it will be taken in a hearty grasp. Make
friends at once, Gernon; you'll be obl