“I had an urgent call which I want to tell you about,” Doctor Faulkner replied.
“Come into the study,” the Earl proposed.
A footman opened the door and the two men went into the large room which held an enormous collection of books and there was a very fine picture of the Earl’s father in Chieftain dress over the mantelpiece.
As the Earl poured out a glass of whisky and soda for the doctor, he looked up at the picture.
“Your father was a fine man,” the doctor said, as if he was speaking to himself, “and deeply respected by every member of the Clan.”
As the Earl handed him his whisky, he asked,
“Are you suggesting that I am not?”
“I am suggesting nothing except that your Clansmen do not see enough of you,” the doctor replied, “and they feel somewhat bereft.”
“What you are saying,” t
