But the cerebral
derangement is cured, and the other, standing by itself, is a foible,
not a mania. It is only a natural desire in excess. If they brought me
Rachel merely because she had said, 'Give me children, or I die,' and I
found her a healthy woman in other respects, I should object to receive
her on that score alone."
"You are deadly particular--compared with some of them," said Rolfe.
That evening he made an appointment with Sir Charles, and visited him
in his room at 8 A. M. He told him he had seen Lady Bassett in London,
and, of course, he had to answer many questions. He then told him he
came expressly to effect his liberation.
"I am grateful to you, sir," said Sir Charles, with a suppressed and
manly emotion.
"Here are my instructions from Lady Bassett; short, but to the point."
"May I keep that?"
"Why, of course."
Sir Charles kissed his wife's line, and put the note in his breast.
"The first step," said Rolfe, "is to cut you in two. That is soon done.
You must copy in your own hand, and then sign, this writing." And he
handed him a paper.
"I, Charles Dyke Bassett, being of sound mind, instruct James Sharpe,
of Gray's Inn, my Solicitor, to sue the person who signed the order for
my incarceration--in the Court of Common Pleas; and to take such other
steps for my relief as may be advised by my counsel--Mr.
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