Mrs. Randolph stood pondering the question, how far it was needful to own his authority. "It is dreadfully hot here, in this little place! She would be much better if she were out of it."
"How have you found it at Melbourne to-day?"
"Insufferable!"
"How has it been with you, Daisy?"
"It has been a nice day, Dr. Sandford."
The contrast was so extreme between the mental atmosphere of one speaker and of the other, that Dr. Sandford smiled. It was ninety degrees of Fahrenheit and the fall of the dew.
"I have heard nobody say as much for the day before," he remarked.
"But she would be much better at Melbourne."
"As soon as I think that, she shall go."
The doctor was absolute in his sphere, and Mr. Randolph, moreover, she knew, would back him; so Mrs. Randolph held her peace, though displeased. Nay, she entered into a little conversation with the doctor on other subjects, as lively as the day would admit, before she de parted. Preston stayed behind, partly to improve his knowledge of Dr. Sandford.