midday
Socially , the position was awkward . He had a letter from Jacks , a sensible and calmly worded letter , saying that Irene was overwrought by recent agitations , that she had spoken of putting an end to their engagement , but that doubtless a few days would see all right again . Arnold must now be apprised of what had happened , and , as all consideration was due to him , the Doctor despatched a telegram asking him to call as soon as he could . This brought Jacks to Bryanston Square at midday , and there was a conversation in the library . Arnold spoke his mind ; with civility , but in unmistakable terms ; he accused the Doctor of remissness . `` Paternal authority , '' it seemed to him , should have sufficed to prevent what threatened nothing less than a scandal . Irene 's father could not share this view ; the girl was turned three-and-twenty ; there could be no question of dictating to her , and as for expostulation , it had been honestly tried .