"Only dizzy spells. I haven't fainted before," the girl said in a timid voice.

Tristan nodded. "That's a good sign. Let me check a few things, just to make sure it's nothing to worry about."

Kate returned with the wet cloth to cool her friend's head. Tristan meanwhile, had Anne moved to a chair, checked her pulse, her blood pressure, and listened to her heart and lungs. He asked her some questions about her menstrual cycle, which Anne answered almost inaudibly while her face burned like a beacon. Finally, Tristan asked Kate to take Anne to the front room so that she could sit more comfortably.

When the girls had exited the room, the doctor turned to Lottie. "Are you the girl's guardian, Mrs. Blacke?"