“I beg your pardon, but you have not told me your name.”

“My name is Benary—Leonard Benary.”

“Well, Dr. Benary, I am willing to submit to your operation. I make no professions of gratitude, for—though, whether it kills me or regenerates me, I shall be equally your debtor—I take it you are not sorry to find a subject to experiment upon; and therefore it will be a fair exchange, and no robbery. Will you proceed with the operation here, now, to-night?”

“Oh, dear me, no. You must have some sleep first. I will call my sister. She will show you to a room. Then, perhaps, to-morrow, after a good night's rest, you will be in a favourable condition.”

“But your sister—what will she say to this?” She pointed to her prison-garb.

“If you will wait here while I go to summon her, I can promise you a kindly welcome from her. I shall explain all the circumstances to her; and she will not mind your costume.”

And I went upstairs to rouse my sister, Miss Josephine Benary.


CHAPTER V.—THE DOCTOR ACTS.