"Peace in the house is absolutely essential to Mrs.Lorimer.All the elder ones would be better out of it--with the exception of Jeanie." "And why with the exception of Jeanie, may I ask ?" There was a touch of asperity in Mr.Lorimer's voice.

He had been badly browbeaten, and--for some reason--he had had to submit.

But he was in no docile mood thereafter.
Tudor heard the note of resentment in his tone, and came back to the hearth.

"I have been awaiting a suitable opportunity to talk to you about Jeanie," he said.
"What next?
What next ?" said Mr.Lorimer fretfully.
Tudor proceeded to tell him, his tone deliberately unsympathetic.

"She needs most careful treatment, most vigilant watching.