And he talked too much. He
talked ever so much too much. Sir Richmond also thought that the doctor
talked too much. In addition, he read into his imperfect memory of the
doctor's face, an expression of protruded curiosity. What was all this
problem of motives and inclinations that they were "going into" so
gaily? He had merely consulted the doctor on a simple, straightforward
need for a nervous tonic--that was what he had needed--a tonic. Instead
he had engaged himself for--he scarcely knew what--an indiscreet,
indelicate, and altogether undesirable experiment in confidences.
Both men were considerably reassured when at last they set eyes on
each other again. Indeed each was surprised to find something almost
agreeable in the appearance of the other. Dr. Martineau at once
perceived that the fierceness of Sir Richmond was nothing more than the
fierceness of an overwrought man, and Sir Richmond realized at a glance
that the curiosity of Dr. Martineau's bearing had in it nothing personal
or base; it was just the fine alertness of the scientific mind.
Sir Richmond had arrived nearly forty minutes late, and it would have
been evident to a much less highly trained observer than Dr. Martineau
that some dissension had arisen between the little, ladylike, cream and
black Charmeuse car and its owner.
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