Mrs. Dolman left Dr. Kent's house, feeling very uncomfortable. She took Iris home, was wonderfully gentle to her during the walk, and sent her up to the schoolroom with a message to Miss Ramsay to say that she was not to do any more lessons that morning. Having got rid of Iris, she went immediately to have an interview with her husband in his study.
"Well, William," she said, "I own myself beaten."
"My dear Jane—beaten? In what way?"
"Here's a pretty mess," continued Mrs. Dolman; "Orion and Diana cannot be found, and Dr. Kent says that Iris is going to be very ill."
"Iris going to be ill?" repeated Mr. Dolman. "Has she caught anything taking. If so, Jane, it would be our duty to separate the children immediately."
"Oh, nonsense, William! Where would she take a catching complaint in a wholesome, well-sanitated rectory like this? Have you never heard of nerve troubles?"
Mr. Dolman opened his sleepy eyes and stared full at his wife.
"My dear," he said, "I often thought that you had never heard of them. So you really believe in them at last?"
"I am forced to when that pretty child is dying from the effects of them."
Mrs. Dolman then repeated to her husband all that Dr. Kent had said.