Suaby?"
"Nobody, for Heaven's sake!"
"Will not that be dull for him?"
"I hope not."
"You will have plenty to say to him, eh, darling?"
"We never yet lacked topics. Whether or no, his is a mind I choose to
drink neat."
"Drink him neat?"
"Undiluted with rural minds."
"Oh!"
She uttered that monosyllable very dryly, and said no more.
Dr. Suaby came next day, and dined with them, and Lady Bassett was
charming; but rather earlier than usual she said, "Now I am sure you
and Dr. Suaby must have many things to talk about," and retired,
casting back an arch, and almost a cunning smile.
The door closed on her, the smile fled, and a somber look of care and
suffering took its place.
Sir Charles entered at once on what was next his heart, told Dr. Suaby
he was in some anxiety, and asked him if he had observed anything in
Lady Bassett.
"Nothing new," said Dr. Suaby; "charming as ever."
Then Sir Charles confided to Dr. Suaby, in terms of deep feeling and
anxiety, what I have coldly told the reader.
Dr. Suaby looked a little grave, and took time to think before he
spoke.
At last he delivered an opinion, of which this is the substance, though
not the exact words.
"It is sudden and unnatural, and I cannot say it does not partake of
mental aberration.
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