The two parted, almost quarreling. Perhaps they would have quite quarreled had not the Squire thought of Mrs. Roberts and the baby. He wondered that the Doctor did not think of them, too, but he seemed to Mr. Delane to be under such a spell that he thought of nothing but Dale Bannister. It was not as if Roberts were the only medical man in the place. There was young Doctor Spink--and he was a real M. D.--up the street, ready and eager to snap up stray patients. And Doctor Spink was a churchwarden. The Squire did not like him overmuch, but he found himself thinking whether it would not be well to send for him next time there was a case of illness at the Grange. The Squire meditated, while others acted. On her walk the same afternoon, Ethel Roberts heard news which perturbed her. The Vicar's wife was ill and Dr. Spink had been sent for. The Vicar was a well-to-do man. He had a large family, which yet grew. He had been a constant and a valuable client of her husband's. And now Dr. Spink was sent for. "Jim," she said, "did you know that Mrs. Gilkison was ill?" "Ill?" said the Doctor, looking up from "Sluggards." "No, I've heard nothing of it." She came and leaned over his chair. "They've sent for Dr. Spink," she said. "What?" he exclaimed, dropping his beloved volume. "Mrs. Hedger told me." "Well, they can do as they like. I suppose his 'Doctor' is the attraction." "Do you think it's that, dear?" "What else can it be?--unless it's a mere freak." "Well, Jim, I thought--I thought perhaps that the Vicar had heard about--about--Littlehill. Yes, I know it's very stupid and narrow, dear--but still----" The Doctor swore under his breath. "I can't help it if the man's an ass," he said. Ethel smiled patiently. "It's a pity to offend people, Jim, dear, isn't it?" "Are you against me too, Ethel?" "Against you? You know I never would be, but----" "Then do let us leave Denborough gossip alone. Fancy Denborough taking on itself to disapprove of Dale Bannister! It's too rich!" Ethel sighed. Denborough's disapproval was no doubt a matter of indifference to Dale Bannister: it meant loss of bread and butter to James Roberts and his house. Meanwhile Dale Bannister, all unconscious of the dread determinations of the Vicar, pursued his way in cheerful unconcern. People came and went. Arthur Angell returned to his haunts rather dissatisfied with the quiet of Littlehill, but rejoicing to have found in the Doctor one thorough-going believer. Mrs. Hodge, her daughter, and Philip Hume seemed to be permanent parts of the household. Riding was their chief amusement. They would pass down High Street, Dale on his ancient mare, with Nellie and Philip by his side, laughing and talking merrily, Dale's own voice being very audible as he pointed out, with amusement a trifle too obvious to be polite, what struck him as remarkable in Denborough ways of life.