The ancient went to write, but his fingers were weak and hesitating, and
by this time he had half forgotten what he was going to say. Alfred's
voice quavered with impatience; but he fought it down, and offered as
coolly as he could to write it for him: the offer was accepted, and he
wrote down in a feigned hand, very clear--
"DRAYTON HOUSE, _Oct. 5._--A sane patient, Alfred Hardie, confined here
from interested motives. Has written four letters to the Commissioners,
all believed to be intercepted. Communicated to me in confidence by an
attendant in the house. Refer to the party himself, and his
correspondence with the Commissioners from Dr. Wycherley's: also to
Thomas Wales, another attendant; and to Dr. Wycherley: also to Dr. Eskell
and Mr. Abbott, Commissioners of Lunacy."
After this stroke of address Alfred took the first opportunity of leaving
him, and sent Frank Beverley to him.
Thus Alfred, alarmed by the hatred of Mrs. Archbold, and racked with
jealousy, exerted all his intelligence and played many cards for liberty.
One he kept in reserve; and a trump card too.
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