opinions, came to a hasty conclusion, and bringing the interview to
a close, hurriedly left the house, his teeth firmly set, and a horrid
glare in his eyes. He walked rapidly down Yonge street and along the
east end of King street, then, hailing a cab, he directed the driver
to travel towards the west end, coming to a halt opposite the
Lunatic Asylum. Entering he enquired for Dr. Tuffnell, and was
informed that he would likely find that gentleman at his residence
on Jarvis street. On repairing thither he found the doctor at home,
and, requesting a few minutes' private conversation, was soon
closeted in the consultation room. "I have long intended to see you,"
Mr. D'Alton began, "about a young lady who lived in our family some
years ago in the capacity of nursery-governess. She was always of a
somewhat flighty disposition, which we used to humour as best we
could, and when she left us (at my wife's death) for Toronto, we
fancied she had quite recovered, but it seems she has been gradually
growing worse, and she now continually torments our friends and us
with letters full of ridiculous flights of fancy, which, though
meaningless to those who understand how she has been afflicted,
might possibly cause serious trouble."

"Has the young lady, then, no friends or relatives?"

"None, whatever. She was taken out of an orphan asylum by an aged
clergyman, now deceased, who adopted her, and since his death she
has supported herself by teaching. We consulted our physician about
her some time ago, when she imagined herself to be my wife, and
ordered her mistress down to the kitchen. He thought it would be
advisable for her to take another situation away from us till her
health improved, as she was continually fancying herself trampled
upon by some member of the family; we accordingly procured for her a