But a great many illegal acts, that you never
detect, are done in asylums. However, it is not a question of surmise; I
sent four letters in the regular way since I came. Here are their several
dates. Pray make a note to inquire whether they have reached Whitehall or
not."
"Oh, certainly, to oblige you," said Mr. Bartlett, and made the note.
Mrs. Archbold looked rather discomposed at that.
"And now, gentlemen," said Alfred, "since Mrs. Archbold has had a private
interview, which I see she has abused to poison your mind against me, I
claim as simple justice a private interview to disabuse you."
"You are the first patient ever told me to walk out of my own
drawing-room," said Mrs. Archbold, rising white with ire and
apprehension, and sweeping out of the room.
By this piece of female petulance she gave the enemy a point in the game;
for, if she had insisted on staying, Mr. Bartlett was far too weak to
have dismissed her. As it was, he felt shocked at Alfred's rudeness: and
so small a thing as justice did not in his idea counterbalance so great a
thing as discourtesy; so he listened to Alfred's tale with the deadly
apathy of an unwilling hearer.
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