If the memory of it had passed, I thought it best not to recall it. So I answered:
"I am sure, dearest, you need a little nursing. And should you fatigue yourself in the garden"——
"Tell me of last night," she whispered, creeping close to me.
"Why," I replied, marking her resolution to be answered, "do you not remember finding yourself walking in your sleep?"
She tossed her hands and laughed out.
"Oh, yes, I remember! But go you downstairs and detain your friend while I pass. I will breakfast in the housekeeper's room. Tell him I am ill and cannot be seen."
"Very well," I answered, reluctantly. It did not please me to leave her to herself. Her face looked wax-like, so delicate and transparent was the white of her skin, and her eyes actually trembled with the light in them, as though they reflected the rays of some flickering flame.
I found Dr. F—— in the breakfast-room. I gave him a brief account of what had happened on the previous night, and of her condition. I also acquainted him with the aversion he had inspired her with. He replied that her aversion was an illustration of his influence over insane persons. The first operation of this influence was hate and distrust; but fear soon followed. The motto of the mad doctor, he added, was the expression of the Roman emperor—oderint dum metuant.
"She refuses to meet you," I said, "and has gone to hide herself among the trees. You will require no apology for this behaviour," I added, with a mournful smile.