There was a certain coldness of manner about Mrs. Dainty that was meant to repress inquiry on this particular subject.
“I hope, madam,” said the doctor, speaking with some earnestness, and a little severity of tone, “that you will be as unreserved as possible in your communications. Unless I have all the information in regard to the cause of Madeline’s illness that it is in your power to give me, it will be impossible to prescribe intelligently, or with any hope of reaching the case. Miss Harper, I understand, then, was not the person to whom your little son referred as having a snake in her bosom?”
As Mrs. Dainty did not reply immediately, Uncle John spoke out in his blunt way, and right to the purpose, saying,—
“No, it was not Miss Harper, but a wicked old hag that my niece picked up somewhere. If I had any faith in witchcraft, I would believe that she had laid a spell on Madeline.”
The doctor now turned to Uncle John.
“When did this new governess of whom you speak come into the family?”
“To-day.”
“Only to-day?”
“She came into the house only a few hours ago.”
“Was Madeline well this morning?”