He had a pale mustache, very thin lips, and altogether a
severe manner. His head bald, rather prematurely, and whiskers
abundant.
Lady Bassett looked him all over with one glance of her woman's eye,
and saw she had a hard and vain man to deal with.
"Are you the gentleman to whom this house belongs?" she faltered.
"No, madam; I am in charge during Dr. Suaby's absence."
"That comes to the same thing. Sir, I am come to see my dear husband."
"Have you an order?"
"An order, sir? I am his wife."
Mr. Salter shrugged his shoulders a little, and said, "I have no
authority to let any visitor see a patient without an order from the
person by whose authority he is placed here, or else an order from the
commissioners."
"But that cannot apply to his wife; to her who is one with him, for
better for worse, in sickness or health."
"It seems hard; but I have no discretion in the matter. The patient
only came yesterday--much excited. He is better to-day, and an
interview with you would excite him again."
"Oh no! no! no! I can always soothe him. I will be so mild, so gentle.
You can be present, and hear every word I say. I will only kiss him,
and tell him who has done this, and to be brave, for his wife watches
over him; and, sir, I will beg him to be patient, and not blame you nor
any of the people here.
Pages:
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252