"I am very much preoccupied," continued the professor. "I have not the least idea whether we have done wisely in allowing Paul to see his mother."
"If she knew him, I imagine it was a good thing," answered Hermione. "How long is it since they met?"
"Eighteen months, or more. They met last in very painful circumstances, I believe. You see the impression was strong enough to outlive her insanity. She was not glad to see him."
"Why will they not tell me what drove her mad?" asked Hermione.
"It is not a very nice story," answered the professor. "It is probably on account of Paul." There was a short pause.
"Do you mean that she went mad on account of something Paul did?" asked Hermione presently.
"I am not sure I can tell you that. I wish you could know the whole story, but your father would never consent to it, I am sure."
"If it is not nice, I do not wish to hear it," said Hermione, quietly. "I only wanted to know about Paul. You gave me the impression that it was in some way his fault."
"In some way it was," replied Cutter. "Poor lady,—I am not sure we should have let her see him."
"Does she suffer much, do you think?"