Part 6 (1/2)

The Regent Arnold Bennett 16770K 2022-07-20

”After to-ht?”

”The fact is, I've half pro to soht have had a quiet, confidential chat in my rooms over at the Turk's Head I never dreaards rich fruit at arlass , and he had ceased to be patronizing

”I'll soon get rid of Stirling for you,” said Edward Henry, turning instantly towards the doctor The ways of Providence had been made plain to Edward Henry ”I say, doc!” But the doctor and Brindley were in conversation with another man at the open door of the box

”What is it?” said Stirling

”I've come to fetch you You're wanted at

”Why am I a caution?” Edward Henry smoothly protested ”I didn't tell you before because I didn't want to spoil your fun”

Stirling's mien was not happy

”Did they tell you I was here?” he asked

”You'd almost think so, wouldn't you?” said Edward Henry in a playful, enight; it was better that Stirling should see the infant And there was also this natural hu an entire evening to diversions away from home--he considered that a doctor, when not on a round of visits, ought to be for ever in his consulting-rooency It wasshould have proposed, after an escapade at the music-hall, to spend further hours with chance acquaintances in vague clubs! Half the townhihteous lay-

”My eldest's been rather badly bitten by a dog, and the missis wants it cauterized”

”Really?”

”Well, you bet she does!”

”Where's the bite?”

”In the calf”

The otherdeparted Robert Brindley abruptly joined the conversation at this point

”I suppose you've heard of that case of hydrophobia at Bleakridge?”

said Brindley

Edward Henry's heart jumped

”No, I haven't!” he said anxiously ”What is it?”

He gazed at the white blur of Brindley's face in the darkened box, and he could hear the rapid clicking of the cinenal_?”

”No”