“May I have a shower?”
“Yes. I’ll come back in fifteen minutes to take you.”
“But I’m not a baby!” protested Mary Louise. “I’m quite used to giving myself baths.”
“I know, dear, but it’s a rule. Sometimes patients drown themselves if we don’t watch them. Maybe—later on——”
She did not finish the sentence, but left the room, locking the door behind her. It was very like a nightmare, Mary Louise thought, as she picked up her tray—a dream in which you found yourself locked up somewhere without any means of escape. But she meant to get away just the same, if she had to climb that ten-foot wall to accomplish it!
She decided immediately that she would be an exemplary patient, that she would work hard and do everything she was told to do. Gradually, perhaps, her liberty would be increased as the attendants learned that she could be trusted.
In spite of her blue calico uniform, Mary Louise looked exceedingly pretty that morning when the doctor came in to see her. Her cheeks were glowing with perfect health, and her dark eyes were smiling. The room, as well as her person, was meticulously neat.
She identified the doctor immediately as the man who had received her the day before at the door of the institution.
“Good-morning, Miss Adams,” he said, regarding her with admiration. “You’re looking well today.”
“I’m fine,” replied Mary Louise. “Only my name doesn’t happen to be Miss Adams,” she couldn’t help adding.