There, at any rate, is the only
explanation by which we can account for the discovery of an envelope
(with inclosures) found sewn up in the lining of the lad's waistcoat,
and directed to Mr. Winterfield--without any place of address."
I leave you to imagine the effect which those words produced on me.
"Now," said the doctor, "you will understand why I put such strange
questions to you. My friend and I are both hard-working men. We go very
little into society, as the phrase is; and neither he nor I had ever
heard the name of Winterfield. As a certain proportion of my patients
happen to be people with a large experience of society, I undertook to
make inquiries, so that the packet might be delivered, if possible, to
the right person. You heard how Mrs. Eyrecourt (surely a likely lady to
assist me?) received my unlucky reference to the madhouse; and you
saw how I puzzled Sir John. I consider myself most fortunate, Father
Benwell, in having had the honor of meeting you? Will you accompany me
to the asylum to-morrow? And can you add to the favor by bringing Mr.
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