Dr. Anderson did not come out till afternoon, but when he did the Baltimore man was with him. They went almost directly to the sick-room. "Let me have the nurse, please, this time," the doctor said, and Margaret, frightened and half indignant, was left outside with Richard.
When the consultation was at an end, the Baltimore man would not sit down, excusing his haste on the ground that he must catch a train.
Mr. De Jarnette followed him into the hall.
"Doctor—"
"Can't stop," said the doctor, curtly. "Dr. Anderson will say to the mother all that needs to be said." Plainly he did not recognize Mr. De Jarnette's rights in the case.
"Dr. Anderson," Margaret was saying when he stepped back into the room, "what is it? I must know."
For a moment the doctor did not reply. When he did it was not in answer to her question.
"Mrs. De Jarnette, will you sit down?"
She dropped into the proffered chair. There was something in his voice that took her strength.
"Mr. De Jarnette, will you too be seated? I have something of—of—importance—to communicate, and it should be said to both."