"Oh, I hope you refused!"
"Why?" she demanded, turning quickly to me. "I've refused only because I didn't consider him able enough—I was afraid to experiment, to put myself into his power, alone as I am here, and without friends. I wasn't quite sure enough of him. Have you any other reason why I shouldn't? He said that he could inhibit Edna's appearance, if I let him hypnotize me. He said she ought to be sent back to where she came from, and that he wanted to 'wake me up,' as he expressed it—make me normal again."
"Then he lied!" I remarked decidedly.
"Oh, Chester, you don't know how you frighten me! If I can't depend upon Doctor Copin, a physician, where can I look for help, and for protection against her? You have done much for me, but you're only a layman, after all; what I need is professional advice."
"Yes, of course," I said. "It is impertinent of me—it's positive audacity, to think I can help you, but, don't you see, the doctor, if he isn't to be trusted, is the more dangerous because of his knowledge? He can do you positive harm."
"Why do you distrust him?" she insisted. "I must have specific reason before I dare even to disregard his orders."
"Very well, then," I said. "But I may seem more than impertinent—even inquisitive."
She made a fine, impatient gesture. "Oh, we've got beyond such considerations—tell me!"
I turned to the door and called Leah, who came out immediately.
"Leah," I said, "do you know how much money Miss Fielding had in the house yesterday?"