Summary

Chapter 14, “Dr. Dorian.”

On Saturday, Fern tells her mother about Charlotte’s stories while she dries the dishes. Mrs. Arable scolds her daughter, saying "you must not invent things. You know spiders don't tell stories. Spiders can't talk" (Chapter 14, p. 101). Fern insists she isn’t making up lies and tells her mother of Charlotte’s cousins. After Fern leaves to head to Mr. Zuckerman’s barn, Mrs. Arable decides to pay a visit to Dr. Dorian and ask about Fern’s behavior.

Dr. Dorian listens to Mrs. Arable’s concerns about Fern, but remarks she has nothing to worry about. He asks if Fern’s appetite is good and if she’s otherwise healthy, and asks if Fern knows any boys. Mrs. Arable remarks Fern knows Henry Fussy. Dr. Dorian claims Fern’s fascination with the animals of the barn will eventually pass and someday...