“Well, then, I must insist,” he said firmly.
“Oh, very well,” said Leo; “I suppose you are master, so I have no more to say. A little girl has had an accident, and so they put her to bed. Fudge!”
“Leo, dear,” said Mary, from her couch, “pray be advised. Dr North would not wish it if it were not necessary.”
“Certainly not,” said North shortly, for he was annoyed at Leo’s flippant manner, and ready to wonder why he had felt attracted that morning.
“What nonsense, Mary!” cried Leo. “Pray don’t you interfere.”
Mary sighed, and remained silent.
“Well, as you please,” said North. “I have given you good advice: act as you think best.”
He turned to go, but was followed into the hall by the curate.
“Come into my room,” said the latter, with a pained and perplexed look in his face. “This is very sad, old fellow.”
“What? being guardian to a couple of giddy girls?” said the doctor petulantly. “No, no: I beg your pardon; don’t take any notice of my bitter way; but really, Salis, old boy, you had better have got rid of that mare.”