"Why not--if you are honest in your actions toward me?"
"Because it is against the doctor's orders. He says you must remain very quiet. It is the only hope of restoring you to your full mental health again."
"Very well then, Frederic. But remember what I said. If I ever get away again you shall suffer the full penalty of the law."
"You won't give me that combination?"
"No."
Mrs. Vernon remained obdurate, and a little while later the young man called Dr. Rushwood.
"You must be careful and watch her closely," said Frederic Vernon to the keeper of the asylum, as the pair walked downstairs. "She is clever, and will try to get the best of you if she can."
Dr. Rushwood smiled grimly.
"Don't worry about me, Vernon," he replied. "I've never yet had one of them to get the best of me."
"I am afraid it will take several days to break her down. At present I can do nothing with her."