“I informed him also,” he added, “that I didn’t feel equal to taking such a great responsibility upon myself.”
“You went so far as to tell him that?”
“I did. This affair has cost me a great deal of anxiety since I saw you on Saturday. I feel very strongly that we ought to have further advice.”
“We have it.” The vicar inclined a diplomatist’s head in Dr. Parker’s direction.
“I told the squire,” said Dr. Joliffe, with a menacing eye upon Dr, Parker, “that I didn’t feel able to move in the matter without the advice of a mental specialist.”
“The man is as mad as a hatter,” said Dr. Parker, with the air of a mental specialist.
“But is he certifiable—that’s the point?”
“He’s a source of danger to the community,” the vicar cut in. But Dr. Joliffe had asked Dr. Parker the question, and his eye demanded that Dr. Parker should answer it.
“I think we may take Mr. Perry-Hennington’s word for that,” said Dr. Parker.
“Well, with all deference,” said Dr. Joliffe, “the squire feels very strongly that the man ought not to be interfered with.”