Volume Ii Part 16 (1/2)
CHAPTER XIX.
Feel I not wrath with those who placed me here, Who have debased me in the minds of men, Debarring me the usage of my own, Blighting my life in best of its career, Branding my thoughts as things to spurn and fear.
BYRON.
A week pa.s.sed thus, and at the close, Eustace was not only permitted to leave his bed, but was removed during the day to a lower room, opening upon an enclosed court, into which, though still feeble, he was permitted to stroll at his pleasure, undisturbed by the sight or presence of any of the wretched inmates of the establishment. Here his proud form at length one day confronted the doctor; and as he drew near, to inquire after his patient, Eustace thus accosted him:
”Having so far recovered, Doctor, I suppose you will now be so good as to satisfy my mind by answering a few questions I am naturally anxious to put to you. First of all, how long may I have remained in that house before I became conscious of being chained up like a wild beast in his den?”
”My dear Sir, it is our practice never to allow our patients to agitate or excite themselves by any discussion upon the subject of their late illnesses; but I may tell you so far, that you came under my charge here the night before the day from which I may date the period of your convalescence.”
”And in what state was I conveyed here? I now seem to have some slight recollection of feeling myself borne along in a carriage; but it is all confused like the rest.”
”No doubt, Sir; but your question I must beg to decline answering: it is one of those which are forbidden.”
”And by whose authority was I committed to this place, may I be permitted to inquire _that_?”
The doctor hesitated, but looking on his patient, there was something in his countenance and demeanour which seemed to exert its due weight on one--the secret of whose profession was influence over others, and a thorough knowledge of the workings of the countenances of those with whom they have to deal.
”By the proper authorities in such cases, Sir--the certificates of two medical pract.i.tioners and your near relation.”
”My father, I conclude?”
”No, Sir; the party who stood forward on this occasion, was your brother.”
”My brother!”
Those words were repeated as if with them a weight of lead had fallen on the listener's heart, and stunned it.
Eustace Trevor stood transfixed for a moment, in silent thought; then turning from the doctor's inquisitive gaze, took two or three turns along the gra.s.s, with folded arms, and head sunk low upon his bosom.
At last he paused, and stood once more before the doctor, who still remained steadfastly regarding him.
”I suppose, at any rate, that now, Sir, there can be no reason for my remaining any longer under your charge?”
”I hope, indeed, Mr. Trevor, that there may be but a very little time necessary.”
”_Necessary!_ No, I should think not. To-night, Sir, it is my wish to leave your establishment.”
The doctor smiled soothingly.
”Come, my dear Sir, not quite so fast as all that--you are not quite--quite well yet.”
”Quite well, Sir, as far as concerns your branch of the profession; and when I tell you that, it is my firm conviction that I never ought to have been here, and that I shall take care to make this generally known, I think you will see the expediency of making no attempt to detain me, contrary to my inclination.”
The doctor again smiled compa.s.sionately. When were his unhappy patients ever known to remain, according to their own pleasure, within those walls?
”Very well, Sir--very well; no threats are needed--I only wait your friends' consent.”