CHAPTER 7. I LEARN MY NEIGHBOUR’S PROFESSION
On the following morning I hurried unforgivably over my round. My excuse can be that I had no very serious cases to attend. On my return Caroline came into the hall to greet me.
‘ Flora Ackroyd is here,’ she announced in an excited whisper.
‘ What?’ I concealed my surprise as best as I could.
‘ She’s very anxious to see you. She’s been here half an hour.’ Caroline led the way into our small sitting-room, and I followed.
Flora was sitting on the sofa by the window. She was in black and she sat nervously twisting her hands together. I was shocked by the sight of her face. All the colour had faded away from it. But when she spoke her manner was as composed and resolute as possible.
‘ Dr Sheppard, I have come to ask you to help me?’ ‘Of
