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"After all," he said, at one point, "it has been a good many years since you qualified, doctor. 'Thirty-eight, was it not?"
"You mean to make me an old fogy, do you," said the doctor, with perfect good humor. "No, no, my lad; 'forty-five was the year. A long time, but not so long as you would have."
"Where did you study?" Carlton asked.
The doctor looked surprised at his inquisitorial tone, but replied readily enough, "I took my degree in London, after studying for several years in Edinburgh."
"Ah, Edinburgh."
"A beautiful city," the doctor said reminiscently.
"With such wonderful people. Major Weird, Deacon Brodie, Burke and Hare…"
"Come now," the doctor protested. "Is that how the legal mind operates? To define a charming old city in terms of the murderers who plied their trade there? If so, I am glad I think otherwise."
"But Burke and Hare were in your own profession, Doctor," said Carlton, leaning back in his chair.
This sally finally pierced the doctor's armor. "What an outrageous thing to say!"
"Well, at least their friend Dr. Knox was. He bought the bodies from them." Carlton closed his eyes and began to chant,
" 'Up the close and doun the stair, But and ben wi' Burke and Hare. Burke's the butcher, Hare's the thief, Knox the boy that buys the beef.' "
"Knox was never charged," said the doctor, red as a turkeycock. "The whole dreadful situation would never have arisen had it not been for the antiquated laws forbidding medical students to obtain cadavers for dissection. How can a surgeon possibly learn -"
"What?" Maria
"I quite agree, Miss Ransom," the doctor said. "And I beg your pardon for my part in it."
"But wouldn't you think Dr. Knox might have noticed that some of the corpses were still warm when they were delivered to him?" Carlton inquired sweetly.
Maria
During the afternoon the snow began. Delicate, fragile white flakes drifted against the windowpanes and danced in the wind. Maria
"Mr. St. John, miss."
Maria
"I am afraid I woke you," the vicar said, advancing with outstretched hand.
"I am glad you did. I ought to have been improving my mind instead of dozing. The Duchess is in her room, Mr. St. John; shall I ring and -"
"I asked to see you. You do not mind?" Still holding her hand, he stood so close that with her disadvantage of height Maria
"No, no, of course… I am happy to see you. Would you care for tea, or sherry, or-"
She made as if to tug on the bellpull. St. John forestalled her.
"I want nothing, except your attention. I did intend to pay Her Grace a pastoral visit, but I was denied. Is it true that she is sinking fast?"
"Who told you that?"
"Gruffstone and Carlton." The vicar smiled faintly. "Two faithful dragons, guarding her door. Faithful, but oh, how terribly, tragically misled! Now of all times does she need the consolation only I – that is, only my Master, through me, His humble servant – can give."
Maria
"You have done all you could," she said. "Please sit down and let me give you a cup of tea. You are upset -"
"Upset!" The vicar whirled and crossed the space that separated them in a single bound, his coattails flying out like the wings of a big black bird. Maria
Maria
Seeing her consternation, St. John grew calmer. "I have frightened you," he said.
Maria
"My zeal overcame me." St. John lowered her into her chair. But then he lifted her again, having transferred his grasp from her shoulders to her waist. "I do not ask this," he explained carefully, "out of selfish lust."
"Oh, indeed?" Maria
"No," St. John said. "I do it in order to save a soul. You are doomed to perdition, my dear Miss Ransom, if you remain here.
I offer you sanctuary – redemption – everlasting bliss! I realize the ambiguities of your position: your doubtful heritage, your lack of a dowry, your scandalous past. I overlook them. At heart you are honest, I am sure. We will leave this house at once. I will take you to an aged relative of mine, where you will remain until the wedding."
Throughout this speech his actions had been somewhat at variance with his lofty sentiments; for his arms clasped Maria
Sad to say, Maria
Finally, realizing that she was losing ground in her effort to keep him from kissing her, she freed one hand and slapped his face as hard as she could. St. John let her go. Nursing his wounded cheek with one hand, he stared at her in shocked surprise.
"You are distraught," he suggested.
"I am insulted – and amused. Let me advise you, Mr. St. John, the next time you propose to a lady, do not begin by listing all her negative qualities. Can you find your way out, or shall I ring for Jenkins to show you out?"
St. John found his own way out.
Maria
Even as the thought came to her mind a voice remarked, "Very nicely done, upon my word. I would not have believed you had it in you."
Carlton's head appeared above the back of the sofa.
"You listened!" Maria
She was so angry she stumbled over the last word, pronouncing it "rehensibubble," and Carlton burst out laughing. Maria
After that misadventure it was time to force herself to face the Duchess.
At first all went smoothly. The Duchess appeared bright and calm. They spoke of Mr. MacGregor, and Maria