"
"Mad-doctors, he means," said the patient, very gravely.
Lady Bassett turned very pale. "Then those were mad-doctors."
"Never you mind, Bella," said Sir Charles. "I kicked the fellow
handsomely."
"I am sorry to hear it, Sir Charles."
"Why?"
Dr. Willis looked at Lady Bassett, as much as to say, "I shall not give
_him_ my real reason;" and then said, "I think it very undesirable you
should be excited and provoked, until your health is thoroughly
restored."
Dr. Willis wrote a prescription, and retired.
Lady Bassett sank into a chair, and trembled all over. Her divining fit
was on her; she saw the hand of the enemy, and filled with vague fears.
Mary Wells tried to, comfort her. "I'll take care no more strangers get
in here," said she. "And, my lady, if you are afraid, why not have the
keepers, and two or three more, to sleep in the house? for, as for them
footmen, they be too soft to fight."
"I will," said Lady Bassett; "but I fear it will be no use. Our enemy
has so many resources unknown to me. How can a poor woman fight with a
shadow, that comes in a moment and strikes; and then is gone and leaves
his victim trembling?"
Then she slipped into the dressing-room and became hysterical, out of
her husband's sight and hearing.
Mary Wells nursed her, and, when she was better, whispered in her ear,
"Lose no more time, then.
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