It is I know the belief of some doctors that it would be all the better for the afflicted ones if they were treated more like sane individuals, and were indulged in dinner parties and balls as if they still belonged to the outer world. I cautiously examined my fellow guests one by one, but I could discern nothing approaching the extravagant in their conduct, but everybody has heard of the wonderful cunning of lunatics; this evening they were evidently on their best behaviour.
As I glanced round the circle my eyes at length met the mirthful eyes of Miss Bertram, who was evidently watching me, and enjoying my perplexity. Was she mad, too? At first I was inclined to think she was rather an intelligent young woman—anything but stupid—but now the incoherent portion of her remarks rose up to condemn her. I was in the act of pitying her when she whispered behind her fan—
"Is it a very bad attack?"
It is necessary to humour mad people, so I replied—
"Not very; I feel quite myself at times."
She burst out laughing, and before she could recover herself the ladies rose from the table, and being next the door I did my duty. As Miss Bertram passed me with a sweeping bow, she said—
"Don't despair; have confidence in the doctor."
Before placing me in an assembly of lunatics, Mr. or Dr. Dove ought to have made me aware of the insanity of his guests. There was no telling what awkward things might have happened. When the ladies returned I sought an opportunity of speaking to him on the subject, but the gentlemen crowded up to his end of the table, and I had no chance. For a set of madmen, I must say their talk was rational enough; and, when the colonel, on whom the claret had a friendly effect, challenged me to a game of billiards, I could not but consent, and get well beaten on attempting to give points.
"Yes, go with the colonel," Mr. Dove said; "you have time for a game before the dancing commences."