Dr Thorne's pretensions, mixed with his subversive professional
democratic tendencies, his seven-and-sixpenny visits, added to his utter
disregard of Lady Arabella's airs, were too much for her spirit. He
brought Frank through his first troubles, and that at first ingratiated
her; he was equally successful with the early dietary of Augusta and
Beatrice; but, as his success was obtained in direct opposition to the
Courcy Castle nursery principles, this hardly did much in his favour.
When the third daughter was born, he at once declared that she was a
very weakly flower, and sternly forbade the mother to go to London. The
mother, loving her babe, obeyed; but did not the less hate the doctor
for the order, which she firmly believed was given at the instance and
express dictation of Mr Gresham. Then another little girl came into the
world, and the doctor was more imperative than ever as to the nursery
rules and the excellence of country air. Quarrels were thus engendered,
and Lady Arabella was taught to believe that this doctor of her
husband's was after all no Solomon. In her husband's absence she sent
for Dr Fillgrave, giving very express intimation that he would not have
to wound either his eyes or dignity by encountering his enemy; and she
found Dr Fillgrave a great comfort to her.

Then Dr Thorne gave Mr Gresham to understand that, under such
circumstances, he could not visit professionally at Greshamsbury any
longer. The poor squire saw there was no help for it, and though he
maintained his friendly connexion with his neighbour, the
seven-and-sixpenny visits were at an end. Dr Fillgrave from
Barchester, and the gentleman at Silverbridge, divided the
responsibility between them, and the nursery principles of Courcy
Castle were again in vogue at Greshamsbury.