“Doctor,” said Mr. Fleetwood, laying his hand upon the physician’s arm with some firmness of clasp, “no more of that, if you please! It is neither the time nor the place!”
“I stand rebuked,” answered the doctor. “But I feel strongly on this subject, and am apt to speak warmly.”
“Time is passing,” said Mr. Fleetwood, “and every moment is precious. This child needs your most skilful attention. I think you understand her case as fully as it can be understood through any further explanation at this time. We place her in your hands. Do for her to the utmost of your skill.”
CHAPTER XIII.
DOUBT AND ANXIETY.
It was nearly two hours from the time the physician entered the house of Mr. Dainty before he retired, and then the night had fallen. He left Madeline in a natural slumber, and with her pulses beating evenly. She had recovered from her almost cataleptic condition with the rapidity of one awakening, and showed a tranquil rather than disturbed state of mind. The presence of the doctor seemed a little to surprise her, and she asked, as she looked from face to face, who had been sick. Soon after, like one overwearied, she sunk into a gentle sleep.
Before retiring from the house, the physician had a long conversation with Mr. Dainty and Mr. Fleetwood, in which he gave it as his opinion that Mrs. Jeckyl had attempted to gain a mesmeric influence over Madeline, and with a successful result that it was frightful to contemplate.
“She looked to me like a very fiend incarnate,” said Mr. Fleetwood. “I can believe any thing against her as to evil purpose; but I am hardly prepared to reach your conclusion in the case.”
“Has the child ever shown symptoms of nervous disease at all resembling her present affection?”
“Never,” replied Mr. Dainty.
“You heard Agnes describe the way in which she acted toward this woman?”