nonplussed.

The door of the box opened, and an official with a blazing diamond in
his shirt-front entered hurriedly.

"What is it, Nolan?"

"There's been an accident to Monsieur Alresca, Sir Cyril, and they
want a doctor."

It was the chance of a lifetime! I ought to have sprung up and proudly
announced, "I'm a doctor." But did I? No! I was so timid, I was so
unaccustomed to being a doctor, that I dared not for the life of me
utter a word. It was as if I was almost ashamed of being a doctor. I
wonder if my state of mind will be understood.

"Carl's a doctor," said Sullivan.

How I blushed!

"Are you?" said Sir Cyril, suddenly emerging from his condition of
suspended activity. "I never guessed it. Come along with us, will
you?"

"With pleasure," I answered as briskly as I could.




CHAPTER III