It was by a subterfuge she had first been induced to enter the asylum of Dr. Fox. Her husband had spoken of it as a boarding-school under the charge of an old friend of his.
"I think, my dear," he said, as they dismounted at the gate, "that you will be interested to look over the institution, and I know it will afford my friend great pleasure to show it to you."
"I dare say I shall find it interesting," she answered, and they entered.
Dr. Fox met them at the door. He had received previous notice of their arrival, and a bargain had been struck between Mr. Kenyon and the doctor. A meaning look was exchangedbetween them which Mrs. Kenyon did not notice.
"I have brought my wife to look over your establishment, doctor," said Mr. Kenyon.
"I don't think it is worth looking at," said the doctor, "but I shall be very glad to show it. Will you come upstairs?"
They were moving up the main staircase when a loud scream was heard from above, proceeding from one of the insane inmates.
"What is that?" asked Mrs. Kenyon, stopping short and turning pale.
Mr. Kenyon bit his lip. He feared that his wife would suspect too soon the character of the institution. But Dr. Fox was prepared for the question.
"It is poor Tommy Briggs," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "He is in the sick-ward."