Had a very wild look, and was much excited. Attempted
suicide by throwing himself into a tank. Attacked the keepers for
rescuing him, with prodigious strength and violence. Refused food."
And some days after came an entry with his initials instead of his name,
which was contrary to law. "A. H. Much excited. Threats. Ordered
composing draught."
And a day or two after: "A. H. Excited. Blasphemous. Ordered blister."
The first entry, however, was enough. The doctor had but seen real facts
through his green spectacles, and lo! "suicide," "homicide," and "refusal
of food," three cardinal points of true mania.
Mr. Vane asked Dr. Bailey whether he was better since he came.
"Oh, infinitely better," said Dr. Bailey. "We hope to cure him in a month
or two."
They then sent for Mrs. Archbold, and had a long talk with her,
recommending Alfred to her especial care: and, having acted on his
judgment and information in the teeth of those who called him insane,
turned tail at a doctor's certificate; distrusted their eyesight at an
unsworn affidavit.
Alfred was packing up his things to go away; bright as a lark.
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