The doctor felt an impulse of irritation against the absent mother who let the girl outwear her strength.
"My advice to you is not to worry," he said abruptly.

"You are tired.
More tired than a young girl of your age ought to be.

You cannot teach those imps of Satan--I mean those charming children--all day and come back to home cares at night.

Will it be possible for me to speak to Mrs.
Coombe before I go ?" Watching her keenly he saw that now he had touched the real cause of the trouble.
"I am sorry," began Esther, but meeting his look, the prim words of conventional excuse halted.

A little smile curled the end of her lips and she added, "Since she went out purposely to escape you, it is not likely." "Your mother went out to escape me ?" in surprise.
"In your capacity of doctor only.