“Very much improved.”

“I am so glad,” in a relieved voice. “I felt such a pig to have the dinner tonight, but mother positively refused to let me call it off. Father said it was better to humor her.”

“He’s quite right; your mother must not be excited by discussions or dissensions.”

“We never have them,” she laughed saucily. “We are a united family ruled by mother.”

“I have a great regard for Mrs. Fordyce,” replied Potter gravely, not liking her flippant tone.

“Have you just come from her room?”

“No, your father and I were talking in the boudoir.”

“Did you see——” a knock on the hall door interrupted her. “Come in.”

“Miss Swann is in the drawing-room, Miss Janet,” announced the footman.

“Gracious! I must run,” Janet gathered up her scarf, fan, and handkerchief. “If you see Duncan, Doctor, please ask him to hurry,” and she departed.