.

THE BEST MAN.
Old Harker's shrewd eyes, travelling round the room as if to inspect the company in which he found himself, fell almost immediately on Bryce--but not before Bryce had had time to assume an air and look of innocent and genuine surprise.

Harker affected no surprise at all--he looked the astonishment he felt as the younger man rose and motioned him to the comfortable easy-chair which he himself had just previously taken.
"Dear me!" he exclaimed, nodding his thanks.

"I'd no idea that I should meet you in these far-off parts, Dr.Bryce! This is a long way from Wrychester, sir, for Wrychester folk to meet in." "I'd no idea of meeting you, Mr.Harker," responded Bryce.

"But it's a small world, you know, and there are a good many coincidences in it.
There's nothing very wonderful in my presence here, though--I ran down to see after a country practice--I've left Dr.Ransford." He had the lie ready as soon as he set eyes on Harker, and whether the old man believed it or not, he showed no sign of either belief or disbelief.