“ Mrs. Sivendson said she thought you might be able to come,” ventured the little woman again, looking up engagingly into his face and betraying anxiety and eagerness in every gesture. “But I hardly dared to believe it. I think it is really too good of you. My husband’s case is so peculiar that⁠—well, you know, I am quite sure any ordinary doctor would say at once the asylum⁠—”

“Isn’t he in, then?” asked Dr. Silence gently.

“In the asylum?” she gasped. “Oh dear, no⁠—not yet!”

“In the house, I meant,” he laughed.

She gave a great sigh.