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We have no hope of being able to examine the waistcoat without
his knowledge. His sleep is like the sleep of a dog; if you only
approach him, he wakes instantly. Forgive me for troubling you with
these trifling details, only interesting to ourselves. You will at least
understand the constant anxiety that we suffer."
"In your unhappy position," said Stella, "I should try to resign myself
to parting with him--I mean to placing him under medical care."
The mother's face saddened. "I have inquired about it," she answered.
"He must pass a night in the workhouse before he can be received as a
pauper lunatic in a public asylum. Oh, my dear, I am afraid there is
some pride still left in me! He is my only son now; his father was a
General in the French army; I was brought up among people of good blood
and breeding--I can't take my own boy to the workhouse!"
Stella understood her. "I feel for you with all my heart," she said.
"Place him privately, dear Madame Marillac, under skillful and kind
control--and let me, do let me, open the pocketbook again.


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