* * * * *
Charlotte was lying on a sofa in her bedroom, with Mrs. Woolper in
attendance upon her, when Dr. Jedd arrived. It was a quarter to six, and
the low western sunshine flooded the room.
The physician came with Valentine, and did not ask to see Mr. Sheldon
before going to his patient's room. He told the housemaid who admitted
him to show the way to Miss Halliday's room.
"The nurse is there, I suppose?" he said to the girl.
"Yes, sir; leastways, Mrs. Woolper."
"That will do."
Mr. Sheldon heard the voice in the hall, and came out of the library as
the doctor mounted the step of the stairs.
"Who is this? What is this?" he asked of Valentine Hawkehurst.
"I told you I was not satisfied with Dr. Doddleson's opinion," answered
the young man coolly. "This gentleman is here by appointment with me."
"And pray by what right do you bring a doctor of your own choosing to
visit my stepdaughter without previous consultation with me?"
"By the right of my love for her. I am not satisfied as to the medical
treatment your stepdaughter has received in this house, Mr. Sheldon, and
I want to be satisfied. Miss Halliday is something more than your,
stepdaughter, remember: she is my promised wife. Dr. Jedd's opinion will
be more assuring to me than the opinion of Dr. Doddleson."
At the sound of Dr. Jedd's name Mr.
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