The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 245: what you’re looking at

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

238 THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. mand—in fact, in his benevolent and parochial meeting manner—that it was impossible. ‘Impossible!’ repeated the visitors, exchanging significant glances with each other, which did not escape the lynx-eyed proprietor of the asylum. ‘Impossible, my dear sirs!’”? he continued, “he is at this time in one of his most violent paroxysms, as the worthy Dr. Chinon will inform you; in fact, we were just consulting on his case. At times he is mild in the extreme—nay, almost rational—only troubled with ‘thick-coming fancies,’ as the poet has it. At any of his quiet moments I shall be delighted to admit you to visit him.” “* It must be now!” replied Mr. Mordaunt, drily. ‘* Must be!” repeated the astonished Mr. Crab. _ © You are aware that I am a magistrate ?”’ “ Certainly—certainly ; it did not strike me that any gentleman would think of visiting my establishment in a magisterial capacity. You can go, Dr. Chinon,” he added, turning, with a meaning look, to the Frenchman; who replied, with a sign of intelligence, that he per- fectly understood him. “I will not detain you from your inspection.” | The surgeon bowed, and left the room. The next instant his voice was heard in the courtyard, calling loudly for Barnes, the confidential keeper. “And now, gentlemen,” said Mr. Crab, who felt greatly relieved, and whose only object was to gatn time ; “‘ perhaps you will favour me with the reason of COniiclooecl SS (SO