There are certain formulae in these quiet retreats, which naturally
impose upon greenhorns such as Alfred certainly was, and some visiting
justices and lunacy commissioners would seem to be. Baker had been a
lodging-house keeper for certified people many years, and knew all the
formulae: some call them dodges: but these must surely be vulgar minds.
Baker worked "the see-saw formula."
"Letters, young gentleman?" said he: "they are not in my department They
go into the surgery, and are passed by the doctor, except those he
examines and orders to be detained."
Alfred demanded the doctor.
"He is gone," was the reply. (Formula.)
Alfred found it as hard to be calm as some people find it easy to say
that word over the wrongs _of others._
The next day, but not till the afternoon, he caught the doctor: "My
letters! Surely, sir, you have not been so cruel as to intercept them?"
"I intercept no letters," said the doctor, as if scandalised at the very
idea. "I see who writes them, and hand them to Mr. Baker, with now and
then a remark. If any are detained, the responsibility rests with him.
Pages:
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742