"Can I see her?"
"I think she is asleep. Sleep of course is of the greatest importance just now, but I think if you desire it you might see her without disturbing her."
"Is she in her right mind? can she recognize people?"
"Hardly yet; the fever is still on her, but she does not exhibit much delirium."
"So the 'shock' is dead?"
"The unfortunate Mr. Hudson, if that is what you mean, is dead, but I don't consider the shock of seeing him was the real cause of your niece's illness. It would have come sooner or later without that."
"Indeed! Then what do you consider was the cause, Dr. Duncan?"
"As I told you the last time you were here, Mrs. King, there is something on her mind."
"There is," said Catherine, "and I think I know what it is." She spoke irritably, as the thought of the love which she imagined existed between Mary and the barrister rose to her mind.