"So far as I can see," said Leonard, much disturbed by this observation, "he has done all that is possible in such a case."
"There will be no harm in my having a conversation with him. I shall go at once."
"I always want you, my dear brother. Let us go."
They found the doctor, an elderly gentleman, at home, and he received them politely, but not exactly with cordiality. They fell immediately into conversation about Emilia, but both Leonard and Gerald observed that the doctor expressed himself with marked reserve. At length he seemed to arrive at a certain resolution, and, with a significant look at Leonard, he said:
"Would you mind leaving your brother and me in private a while?"
"Not at all," replied Leonard, somewhat startled. "If there is any particular reason for it."
"I have a particular reason," said the doctor, "or I should not request it."
"What do you say, Gerald?" asked Leonard.
Leonard rose, and went to the door. Gerald ran after him into the passage and whispered, "I will tell you everything that passes, Leonard. You must not be hurt."
"Nothing can hurt me that is for your good," said Leonard. "I will walk up and down the street, and wait till you come out." He was furious with the doctor. "Officious fool!" he muttered when he was outside. "What mischief will he be up to?"
"Now," said the doctor, when Gerald rejoined him, "I can speak more freely. I have nothing whatever to say against your brother----"
"Nothing can be said against him," interrupted Gerald, warmly.
"It is pleasant to see the affection that exists between you," remarked the doctor; "but he is not the young lady's lover."
"It is for that reason," said the doctor, with a slight frown, "that I desire to confer with you alone. Young gentleman, it is my intention to speak very plainly to you. You are the young lady's lover, you declare. Her honorable lover, may I ask?"
"Her honorable lover," replied Gerald, "as I am a gentleman."
"Have you any objection to my saying what is in my mind?"
"You love her honorably. Therefore you would do much to restore her to health?"
"I would give all I possess in the world. I would sacrifice my life for her dear sake."
"Three, at least, and funds in hand besides."
"With the exception of ourselves and two good maiden ladies who have known her only for a day, she has no friends."