There was nothing very peculiar in the Italian's appearance. He
had the dark complexion and marked features of his country,
seemed about fifty years old, and was handsomely but plainly
dressed in a full suit of black clothes, which was then the
universal costume of the medical profession. Large wax-lights,
in silver sconces, illuminated the apartment, which was
reasonably furnished. He rose as the ladies entered, and,
notwithstanding the inferiority of their dress, received them
with the marked respect due to their quality, and which
foreigners are usually punctilious in rendering to those to whom
such honours are due.

Lady Bothwell endeavoured to maintain her proposed incognito,
and, as the Doctor ushered them to the upper end of the room,
made a motion declining his courtesy, as unfitted for their
condition. "We are poor people, sir," she said; "only my
sister's distress has brought us to consult your worship whether
--"

He smiled as he interrupted her--"I am aware, madam, of your
sister's distress, and its cause; I am aware, also, that I am
honoured with a visit from two ladies of the highest
consideration--Lady Bothwell and Lady Forester. If I could not
distinguish them from the class of society which their present
dress would indicate, there would be small possibility of my
being able to gratify them by giving the information which they
come to seek."

"I can easily understand--" said Lady Bothwell.