"Mrs. Johnson, I'm afraid you are wasting a lot of sympathy on this case. This patient was caught by her guardian at the Jersey City ferry, in the act of eloping. She's mad as a March hare. Her certificate is signed by three of the most eminent physicians in the country, and her application for release is opposed by the biggest lawyer in New York—Bascom Cooley. There is no question about her mental condition."
Turning once more to his desk, he resumed dictating:
"Report on Mr. Jeliffe's case——"
The attendant still lingered.
"Well, sir," she said hesitatingly, "will you send a telegram to Mr. Ricaby, her lawyer, asking him to come up."
"He was here yesterday, wasn't he?" snapped the superintendent.
"She is most anxious to see him," persisted the nurse.
The superintendent frowned. This obstinacy was very annoying. Still, he dare not refuse such a simple request.
"I'll see what Dr. Zacharie says," he said curtly. "His instructions were that she must not be excited or annoyed by visitors."
"Very well, sir," said the nurse respectfully, as she went out again through the little door.