As little Dorothy watched the swallows, and listened to their conversation above her head, she became aware that some one was in the drawing-room, and was talking to her mother.
She was quite hidden from view, and she heard her name.
"But how can I take little Dorothy?"
"Easily enough. It will do her no harm to take flight with the swallows."
"You don't think she is delicate?" she heard her mother exclaim, in a voice of alarm. "Oh, Doctor Bell, you don't think Dorothy is delicate?"
"No, she is very well as far as I see at present, but I think her life is perhaps rather too dreamy and self-absorbed. She wants companions; she wants variety."
Dr. Bell knew he was venturing on delicate ground.
"Dorothy is very happy," Mrs. Acheson said, "very happy. Just suppose San Remo does not suit her, does not agree with her; then think of the journey!"
"My dear madam, the journey is as easy in these days as if you could fly over on the backs of the swallows—easier, if anything. You ask my serious advice, and it is this, that you lose no time in starting for San Remo or Mentone."
"San Remo is best," said Mrs. Acheson, "for I have a friend who has a house there, and she will be there for the winter."