The doctor got into the cab, and set forth in the fog to visit Valentine.
CHAPTER II
THE VOICE IN THE EMPTY ROOM
When the doctor arrived at the Victoria Street flat Valentine's man
answered his ring. Wade had been with Valentine for many years and was
always famous for his great devotion to, and admiration of, his master.
Wade was also especially partial--as he would have expressed himself--to
Doctor Levillier, and when he saw who the visitor was, his face relaxed
into contentment that strongly suggested a smile.
"Back at last Wade, you see," the doctor said, cheerfully. "Is Mr.
Cresswell in?"
"No, sir. But I expect him every minute to dress for dinner. He's dining
out, and it's near seven now. Will you come in and wait?"
"Yes."
The doctor entered and walked into the drawing-room, preceded by Wade,
who turned on the light.
"Why! what have you been doing to the room?" the doctor said, looking
round in some surprise. "Dear me. It's very much altered."
In truth, the change in it was marked. The grand piano had vanished, and
in its place stood an enormous cabinet made of wood, stained black, and
covered with grotesque gold figures, whose unnatural faces were twisted
into the expressions of all the vices.
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