“It is not true!” cried Mary indignantly; though the recollection of what she had witnessed made her quail.
“It is quite true, madam; and his nearest friends have taken steps to have him placed under proper treatment, where he can be restored to health.”
“Where what little reason left to him will be wrecked,” something seemed to say within Mary; and she held on more tightly to North’s hand.
“There, madam,” said the doctor; “I have explained this to you, but I will also add, so that there may be no further unpleasantry, that all these steps have been taken after proper advice, and in strict legal manner. Now, be kind enough to let my men assist the patient to rise, and let us get this sad matter settled as quickly as we can.”
Mary wavered, and the doctor saw it.
“Jones,” he said, “you go and get the carriage round here. It will be much the shortest way.”
“Dr North is a very old and dear friend of ours,” said Mary, recovering herself, and speaking with dignity; “and I cannot stand by, in my brother’s absence, and see what seems to me to be an outrage committed.”
“Ah, your brother is away,” said the doctor. “It is a pity, for gentlemen are better to deal with than ladies in a case like this. There, my dear madam, pray accept my assurances that everything is right, and that Dr North will be taken the greatest care of, and restored to you soon perfectly sane and well. Pray be good enough to stand aside.”
“No,” cried Mary firmly; “he shall not go.”
“Just say the word, miss,” whispered Joe Chegg.