preponderating number of shares.  At this period of the spring he always became anxious to clear up, not to say clear out, his southern clienetle lest any left-over members of it should fall into the clutches of one of his numerous local rivals.  And, in this connection, it may be noted as remarkable to how many of the said clientele a “cure” at Cotteret-les-Bains offered assurance of permanent restoration to health.

Among that happy band, as it now appeared, General Frayling might be counted.  The dry, exciting climate of St. Augustin, and its near neighbourhood to the sea, were calculated to aggravate the gastric complications from which that polite little warrior so distressingly suffered.

“This, I fear we must recognize, my dear madam, is a critical period with your husband; and treatment, for the next six months or so, is of cardinal importance; I consider high inland air, if possible forest air, indispensable.  What I should like you to do is to take our patient north by slow stages; and I earnestly counsel a course of waters before the return to England is attempted.”

Thereupon, agreeable visions of festive toilettes and festive casinos flitting through Henrietta’s mind, she named Homburg and other German spas of world-wide popularity.  But at such ultra-fashionable resorts, as Dr. Stewart-Walker, with a suitable air of regret, reminded her, the season did not open until too late to meet existing requirements.

“Let me think, let me think,” he repeated, head sagely bent and forefinger on lip.

He ran through a number of Latin terms, to her in the main incomprehensible; then looked up, relieved and encouraging.

“Yes, we might, I believe, safely try it.  The medical properties of the springs—­particularly those of La Nonnette—­meet our patient’s case excellently.  And I should not lose sight of him—­a point, I own, with me, for your husband’s condition presents features of peculiar interest.  Cotteret-les-Bains, my dear madam—­in his case I can confidently recommend it.  Lady Hermione talks of taking the cure at Cotteret this spring.  But about that we shall see—­we shall see.  The question demands consideration.  As you know, Lady Hermione is charmingly outspoken, emphatic; but I should be false to my professional honour, were I to allow her wishes to colour my judgment.—­Meanwhile I have reason to know that other agreeable people are going to Cotteret shortly.  Not the rank and file.  For such the place does not pretend to cater.  There the lucrative stock-broker, or lucrative Jew, is still a rara avis.  Long may he continue to be so, and Cotteret continue to pride itself on its exclusiveness!—­In that particular it will admirably suit you, Mrs. Frayling.”

To a compliment so nicely turned Henrietta could not remain insensible.  Before the destined train bore Dr. Stewart-Walker back to his more legitimate zone of practise, she saw herself committed to an early striking of camp, with this obscure, if select, ville d’eaux as her destination.