Jack went down to breakfast, and found it all ready, but his father was not in the room: he went to his study, and found him occupied with a carpenter who was making a sort of a frame as the model of the platform or daïs to be raised under the wonderful invention. Mr Easy was so busy that he could not come to breakfast, so Jack took his atone. An hour after this Dr Middleton’s carriage drove up to the door. The doctor heartily greeted our hero.
“My dear sir—for so I suppose I must now call you—I am heartily glad that you have returned. I can assure you that it is not a moment too soon.”
“I have found that out already, doctor,” replied Jack: “sit down. Have you breakfasted?”
“No, I have not; for I was so anxious to see you, that I ordered my carriage at once.”
“Then sit down, doctor, and we will talk over matters quietly.”
“You, of course, perceive the state of your father. He has been some time quite unfit to manage his own affairs.”
“So I am afraid.”
“What do you intend to do then—put them in the hands of trustees?”
“I will be trustee for myself, Dr Middleton. I could not do the other without submitting my poor father to a process and confinement which I cannot think of.”
“I can assure you that there are not many in Bedlam worse than he is; but I perfectly agree with you; that is, if he will consent to your taking charge of the property.”