The young physician went downstairs. At
the door stood a man whom he had never
seen before.

"My wife is lying very ill next door," said
the stranger, "so ill that I fear she will not
live till morning. Will you please come to
her at once?"

"Next door?" cried the physician. "I
didn't know the Nethertons were home!"

"Please hasten," begged the man. "I must
go back to her. Follow as quickly as you
can."

The doctor went back upstairs to complete
his toilet.

"How absurd," protested his wife when she
heard the story. "There is no one at the
Nethertons'. I sit where I can see the front
door, and no one can enter without my know-
ing it, and I have been sewing by the window
all day. If there were any one in the house,
the gardener would have the porch lantern
lighted. It is some plot. Some one has
designs on you. You must not go."