The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 243: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

236 THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. ration of the mind? you can understand the distinction, I am sure?” “No, I can’t!”’ ** Besides, he is an excellent patient, and his friends pay well—in fact, I may say liberally.” ‘I can understand that,” interrupted Chinon, with a shrug; “‘ when you speak plainly, I can perfectly comprehend you; but I never take hints. If you wish him to be mad, of course he 18 mad.” ‘Wish him! oh, doctor!’ “If you do not, I pronounce him sane.” “ Well, then,” whispered Crab, with a violent effort to unmask himself even to his subordinate, “JZ do wish tt! ‘There are secrets in all professions—even in yours.” “ Many,” said the Frenchman, “as we both know.” «‘T may rely upon you, then ?” “Implicitly ; only be frank, and you will find me useful. I have no ridiculous scruples about serving those who trust me—and you know that I am to be trusted.”’ Further conversation was interrupted by the entrance of one of the keepers, to announce to his superior that two gentlemen—Messrs. Mordaunt and Keeting—re- quested to see him. As they were both persons of consideration in Man- chester, they were ordered to be shown into the room at once. sé Shall I retire???’ demanded the doctor. COniiclooecl SS (SO