“Phin Dorr, I mean.”
“Ah, yes, Dorr; hum; what about Dorr?”
“His mother’s sick, sir.”
“Indeed? I am very sorry to hear of it.”
“And Phin has had to stay at home and look after her.”
“At home? He has left the academy?”
“No, sir, he lives in the village with his mother, Mrs. Freer.”
“Really? I was not aware of that.”
“Nobody was, sir.” And Hansel, with much floundering, explained. When he had finished, the doctor nodded gravely in token of understanding.
“A very devoted mother, Dana, but ill advised. I do not approve of parents coming here to live with their sons. May I ask what it is you want me to do?”