Dr Marilliar laid down the tiny hammer with which he had been tapping sundry of his patient&rsquo;s joints, and pulled the loose, fleecy robe right over her. &lsquo;That&rsquo;s all now, thank you. Run along into the other room and get into your clothes while your aunt and I have a chat.&rsquo;<br />The patient, pulling the robe closely round her, rolled off the high couch, and pattered across the room to the baize-covered door which led into the small room where she had undressed. When the door had closed behind her, &lsquo;Auntie&rsquo; leaned forward eagerly. &lsquo;What do you think of her, Doctor? It isn&rsquo;t anything very much, is it? She&rsquo;s just rundown?&rsquo;<br />For reply, the doctor got to his feet, and took a turn across the room while she watched him. There was a frown between his black brows, and his mouth looked rather grim. The sallow-faced lady in the big fur coat, which was flung open to show a scarlet dress and a heavy string of black and white beads, gazed at him, and her mouth began to tremble. &lsquo;It&mdash;it isn&rsquo;t anything&mdash;serious, is it, Doctor? Not&mdash;not&mdash;&mdash;&rsquo; She faltered, and stopped.