“Yes, the place seems comfortable,” said Jacob. “I am interested in the insane,” he continued; “I had a sister once who went off her head—they took her to the Bethlehem Asylum, and she did not live very long, poor thing. Her sad case makes me take a sort of liking to all insane people.”
“Insanity is a most fascinating subject,” interrupted Hester at that moment. There was a queer light in the strange girl’s eyes. She walked about Mrs. Cameron’s bedroom, prying here, there, and everywhere.
“Hester, your curiosity will be your undoing,” said Leah, giving the girl a grim smile which flitted across her strong face for a moment and then disappeared.
“Are you often disturbed by your charge at night, Mrs. Leah?” queried Jacob.
“Now and then,” replied Leah, “but often for a whole month the poor lady sleeps without rocking. It is wonderful what good nights she has, all things considered; she is often more restless in the daytime than she is at night.”
“And are the rats as troublesome as they were?” suddenly asked Hester.
“No; the last poison had good effect,” replied Leah, turning her back as she spoke.
“Are you troubled with rats?” asked Jacob. “Why don’t you keep a cat?”
“Mrs. Cameron hates cats,” answered Leah. “It is one of her illusions, poor thing, that she is pursued by a black cat. She would not see one within a yard of her at any price.”