The doctor came forward now, and whispered two words to Mr. Wilcox—the scandal was out. Sincerely horrified, Henry stood gazing at the earth.
“I cannot help it,” said Margaret. “Do wait. It’s not my fault. Please all four of you to go away now.”
Now the flyman was whispering to Crane.
“We are relying on you to help us, Mrs. Wilcox,” said the young doctor. “Could you go in and persuade your sister to come out?”
“On what grounds?” said Margaret, suddenly looking him straight in the eyes.
Thinking it professional to prevaricate, he murmured something about a nervous breakdown.
“I beg your pardon, but it is nothing of the sort. You are not qualified to attend my sister, Mr. Mansbridge. If we require your services, we will let you know.”
“I can diagnose the case more bluntly if you wish,” he retorted.
“You could, but you have not. You are, therefore, not qualified to attend my sister.”
“Come, come, Margaret!” said Henry, never raising his eyes. “This is a terrible business, an appalling business. It’s doctor’s orders. Open the door.”