"Quite right, dear, quite proper. Of course you have noticed peculiarities of thought, speech, and conduct. No one, indeed, has had so good an opportunity as you have possessed; but you have discreetly abstained from comment. You had heard of dungeons, chains, whips, strait- waistcoats, and keepers; you did not know that there are places where the afflicted are happier far than when allowed the indulgence of their own wayward wills; indeed, where they are only restricted in one or two trifling matters, for their own good of course."
She sighed as she concluded.
"Excuse me, Ma'am," I said, much astonished, "you mistake; I never thought anything of the sort, and never for a moment connected the places you mention with Mr. Thornton."
"I see; you thought of keeping it quiet in the family; very amiable, but impracticable."
"No, Ma'am, I did not think of that either."
"But, my dear, you must have noticed so many things; indeed you have had rare opportunities, for instance, the change from amiability to moroseness."
"I don't think Mr. Thornton ever was amiable, Ma'am."
"My dear! the most amiable of men."
"Then not in my time, Ma'am."
Mrs. Brand gave me a perplexed look, then observed—