But next day he revoked his instructions, for he got a letter from the Commissioners of Lunacy, announcing the authoritative discharge of Sir Charles, on the strong representation of Dr. Suaby and other competent persons.
That settled the matter, and the poor cousin had kept the rich cousin three months at his own expense, with no solid advantage, but the prospect of a lawsuit.
Sharpe, spurred by Rolfe, gave him no breathing time. With the utmost expedition the Declaration in Bassett v. Bassett followed the writ.
It was short, simple, and in three counts.
“For violently seizing and confining the plaintiff in a certain place, on a false pretense that he was insane.
“For detaining him in spite of evidence that he was not insane.
“For endeavoring to remove him to another place, with a certain sinister motive there specified.
“By which several acts the plaintiff had suffered in his health and his worldly affairs, and had endured great agony of mind.”
And the plaintiff claimed damages, ten thousand pounds.
Bassett sent over for his friend Wheeler, and showed him the new document with no little consternation.