The drive was a very silent one, till Dr. Sandford was left at his own door. So soon as the carriage turned again, Mrs. Randolph broke out.
"How long did he say, Mr. Randolph, the child must be left at that woman's cottage?"
"He said she must not be moved for weeks."
"She might as well stay forever," said Mrs. Randolph, "for the effect it will have. It will take a year to get Daisy back to where she was! I wish fanatics would confine their efforts to children that have no one else to care for them."
"What sort of fanaticism has been at work here, Mrs.
Randolph?" the Captain enquired.
"The usual kind, of course; religious fanaticism. It seems to be catching."
"I have been in dangerous circumstances to day, then," said the Captain. "I am afraid I have caught it. I feel as if something was the matter with me."
"It will not improve you," said Mrs. Randolph, dryly.
"How has it wrought with Daisy?"
"Changed the child so that I do not recognise her. She never set up her own will before; and now she is as difficult to deal with as possible. She is an impersonation of obstinacy."