Part 28 (1/2)
”I will tell the cabman.”
”Very well.”
Julian gave the order.
”I wonder if he will be in,” Julian said presently. ”What is the time?”
He took out his watch and held it up sideways until the light of a gas-lamp flashed on it for a moment.
”Just eleven. So late? I am surprised.”
”We were a good while at the 'European.'”
”Longer than I thought. Probably the doctor will have come in, even if he has been out dining. Ah, here we are!”
The cab drew up. Julian got out and rang the bell in the rain.
”Is Doctor Levillier at home?”
”No, sir. He is out dining. But I expect him every moment. Will you come in and wait?” said the man-servant, who knew Julian well.
”Thanks; I think I will. I rather want to see him. I will just ask Mr.
Cresswell. He's with me to-night.”
Julian returned to the cab, in which Valentine was sitting.
”The doctor will probably be home in a few minutes. Let us go in and wait for him.”
”Yes, you go in.”
”But surely--”
”No, Julian,” Valentine said, and suddenly there came into his voice a weariness, ”I am rather tired to-night. I think I'll go home to bed.”
”Oh,” Julian said. He was obviously disappointed. He hesitated.
”Shall I come too, old chap? You're sure--you're certain that you are not feeling ill after last night?”
He leant with his foot on the step of the cab to look at Valentine more closely.
”No; I am all right. Only tired and sleepy, Julian. Well, will you come or stay?”
”I think I will stay. I want badly to have a talk with the doctor.”
”All right. Good-night.”
”Good-night!”
Valentine called his address to the cabman, and the man whipped up his horse. Just as the cab was turning round Valentine leaned out over the wooden door and cried to Julian, who was just going into the house: