She returned my steady gaze, without answering, for some moments.
Either my tone or manner affected her unpleasantly, for I saw her
brows contract slightly, her full lips close upon themselves, and
her eyes acquire an intenser look.
"You have been her physician, I believe?" There was no sign of
feeling in the steady voice which made the inquiry.
"Yes."
"_I_ need not, in that case, describe to you her unhappy state of
mind. _I_ need not tell you that an evil will had the mastery over
her understanding, and that, in the fierce struggle of evil passion
with evil passion, mind and body had lost their right adjustment."
"I know all this," said I. "Still, madam, in view of my professional
duty, I must repeat my question, and urge upon you the propriety of
an undisguised answer. In what way was she excited? and what was the
cause leading to an excitement which has ended thus fatally?"
"I am not in the habit of putting on disguises," she answered, with
a quiet dignity that really looked beautiful.
"I pray you, madam, not to misunderstand me," said I.
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