Sheldon started slightly. It was a
name he knew only too well--a name he had seen among the medical
witnesses in the great Fryar trial, the record of which had for him
possessed a hideous fascination. He had fancied himself in the poisoner
Fryar's place; and the fancy had sent an icy chill through his veins. But
in the next minute he had said to himself, "I am not such a reckless fool
as that man Fryar was; and have run no such risks as he ran."
At the name of Jedd the same icy shiver ran through his veins again. His
tone of suppressed anger changed to a tone of civility which was almost
sycophantic.
"I have the honour to know Dr. Jedd by repute very well indeed, and I
withdraw my objection to your course of proceeding, my dear Hawkehurst;
though I am sure Dr. Jedd will agree with me that such a course is
completely against all professional etiquette, and that Dr. Doddleson
will have the right to consider himself aggrieved."
"There are cases in which one hardly considers professional etiquette. I
shall be very happy to meet Dr. Doddleson to-morrow morning. But as Mr.
Hawkehurst was very anxious that I should see Miss Halliday to-night, I
consented to waive all ceremony, and come with him on the spot."
"I cannot blame his anxiety to secure so valuable an opinion. I only
wonder what lucky star guided him to so excellent an adviser."
Mr. Sheldon looked from Dr.
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