"Well, think over in that chair. I have something to say to you which is important—something about Margaret's health."
He stopped abruptly.
"What do you mean? Is she ill?"
"No, not now, but she may be."
Thayor strode rapidly to the door.
"Come back here—don't be a fool. She is asleep after the Trevis dance. The child did not get home till after three."
"And you let her get ill?" he cried.
"Sit down, will you—and listen. Dr. Sperry came here the day you left, and he told me he had not liked the child's appearance for a long time, and that she ought to have the air of the mountains at once."
"And you called that charlatan in to see my daughter!" he cried indignantly. All his anger was aroused now. When any wall was raised in his path, this man Sperry was always behind it.
"I did not," she retorted savagely, "and Dr. Sperry is not a charlatan, and you know it. It was owing to his good heart that he came of his own accord and told me."