"Having so far recovered, Doctor, I suppose you will now be so good as to satisfy my mind by answering a few questions I am naturally anxious to put to you. First of all, how long may I have remained in that house before I became conscious of being chained up like a wild beast in his den?"
"My dear Sir, it is our practice never to allow our patients to agitate or excite themselves by any discussion upon the subject of their late illnesses; but I may tell you so far, that you came under my charge here the night before the day from which I may date the period of your convalescence."
"And in what state was I conveyed here? I now seem to have some slight recollection of feeling myself borne along in a carriage; but it is all confused like the rest."
"No doubt, Sir; but your question I must beg to decline answering: it is one of those which are forbidden."
"And by whose authority was I committed to this place, may I be permitted to inquire that?"
The doctor hesitated, but looking on his patient, there was something in his countenance and demeanour which seemed to exert its due weight on one—the secret of whose profession was influence over others, and a thorough knowledge of the workings of the countenances of those with whom they have to deal.
"By the proper authorities in such cases, Sir—the certificates of two medical practitioners and your near relation."
"My father, I conclude?"
"No, Sir; the party who stood forward on this occasion, was your brother."
"My brother!"