Upon the occasion of her first visit to Carol's room, she found him sitting up in bed, reading. She had expected to find him asleep, as the other children had detained her so long.
"My little book-worm, what is the story you find so interesting?" she asked playfully, intending to tell him lovingly the next morning that she did not like the children to read in bed.
"Auntie, it isn't a story book. It is Science and Health. I read it every night and morning."
"What a very strange book for a little boy to be interested in! The title sounds quite alarmingly dry."
"Oh, Auntie, have you never heard of it? It is such a wonderful book. I am beginning to understand it now. At first I could not, but Cousin Alicia used to explain it so beautifully to me, and now I love to read it."
"I cannot say I remember the title, dear, but I should like to look into it. Will you spare it to me this evening? I think it is time now for lights to be extinguished."
Carol gave the book to her gladly, little thinking it would be many long days before he would see it again.
When Mrs. Mandeville returned to the drawing-room, the Rector was there. "Do you know anything of this book, Raymond?" she asked, giving it into his hand. "I found Carol reading it in bed--Science and Health." The frown which was habitually on the Rector's face deepened.
"Indeed I do," he said, "and I should like to do with every copy what I am going to do with this."
He walked over to the fireplace; his intentions were plain. Mrs. Mandeville caught hold of his arm.