"Well, have you enjoyed your walk—you haven't been very far?" he said.
"Not very," said she; "I changed my mind. How did you find your mother?"
"She had been pottering about on the wet ground, which wasn't any too wise of her. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, I ... She has been missing you a little, I think; she wants you there more often."
"Oh?" he said; "I'm very sorry. Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am sure; it is more than a little she misses you. As a matter of fact, I have just written to you, Dr. Kincaid."
"To me? What—about this?"
"Yes."
"I didn't know," he said; "I never supposed she'd miss me like that. It was very kind of you."
"I wanted to speak to you about it before. I have seen for some time she was distressed."